The Las Vegas Raiders, in their own curious case, signed linebacker Jaylon Smith but allowed him to sit out the 2024 season. Smith, a talented player known for his impressive performances, brings a wealth of experience to the Raiders’ defense. At 29 years old, he would certainly like to breathe new life into his career after hopping around to six different teams over the past five years.
Jaylon Smith began his professional journey after being drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He wasted no time in becoming a core piece for the team, making his first Pro Bowl in 2019. That same year, Smith racked up an NFL-leading 142 tackles. He broke up nine passes and forced two fumbles, making his disruptive impact even more powerful.
Smith’s run with the Cowboys was five all-star seasons strong. He faced some obstacles that led to him being cut after just four games into the 2021 season. He would go on to sign with the Green Bay Packers soon after, but still had to face a challenging patch in his career. In 2022, he finally found a sense of stability after landing with the New York Giants. He recorded 88 tackles in 13 games, further displaying his ageless talents on the football field.
In 2023, Smith played in just one game with the Raiders as a short-lived member of that roster. He wanted to assist in rounding out the team’s defensive core. Over the course of his career, he’s opened games in 69 of 88 appearances, showing durability and dependability at a young age at a high-impact position. His experience and leadership will only serve the Raiders better as they look to break free from the depths of incompetence they languished in last season.
Smith’s journey has as much to do with resilience and determination. The Raiders’ decision to sign him reflects their commitment to bolstering their roster with experienced players who can make immediate contributions. As he integrates into the team, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Smith’s addition impacts the Raiders’ defense.
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