Jaylon Smith, Raiders Reportedly Agree to Contract, LB Has Played for Cowboys, More

The Las Vegas Raiders signed free-agent linebacker Jaylon Smith to a contract on Sunday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Smith hasn't played in the NFL since the 2023 season, suiting up for one game with the Raiders during that seasonr. He's also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers and New York Giants throughout his career.

Schefter previously reported that Smith was participating in Las Vegas' minicamp on a tryout basis.

The 29-year-old was originally selected by the Cowboys with a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft. Smith gradually developed into a key starter on Dallas' defense, leading the team in tackles in both 2019 and 2020.

He also earned Pro Bowl recognition for his 2019 campaign.

Smith played for three teams during the 2021 season before sticking with New York in 2022, starting in 11 games.

He briefly appeared with Las Vegas in the ensuing season, as he was on the field for 25 snaps in a Week 9 victory over the Giants. Smith was later waived and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad in December 2023, but didn't see any regular-season action.

In 88 career games, Smith has racked up 626 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 21 passes defensed and six forced fumbles.

He has some familiarity with Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, playing for him when he was a member of the Giants' coaching staff in 2021 in addition to his prior stint in Las Vegas.

Now, Smith will be looking to carve out a role on the Raiders' defense as they look to bounce back from a 4-13 finish under new head coach Pete Carroll.