Las Vegas Raiders Sign Former Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith After Tryout

Jaylon Smith, the former Dallas Cowboys linebacker and 2016 second-round draft pick, has signed a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders after a successful tryout at their rookie minicamp. Smith, who made a strong impact early in his career with the Cowboys including a Pro Bowl selection in 2019 and a lucrative contract extension, saw his production decline after injuries and roster changes led to his release in 2021. Following stints with the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants, Smith played only one game for the Raiders in 2023 before taking the 2024 season off. At 29, Smith is now given another opportunity by the Raiders to continue his NFL career as the team enters a new era under head coach Pete Carroll. Despite setbacks, his dedication and recovery from a significant knee injury remain notable, highlighting his resilience and potential contribution to the Raiders' linebacker group.