Jaylon Smith is aiming to revive his NFL career in Las Vegas. The veteran linebacker is signing with the Raiders after a weekend tryout during rookie minicamp, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Smith, 29, last played in 2023, appearing in one game for the Raiders. He recorded two tackles in 25 defensive snaps during a Week 9 win over the New York Giants before being waived.
A second-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016, Smith spent five seasons in Dallas and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019 after a standout season with 142 tackles, nine passes defended, and two forced fumbles.
In 2021, Smith had brief stints with the Packers and Giants after being released by the Cowboys early in the season. He returned to form in 2022 with the Giants, posting 88 tackles in 13 games.
Over his career, Smith has appeared in 88 games, starting 69, and has totaled 626 tackles, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles.
In Las Vegas, Smith enters a linebacker group looking for answers. Elandon Roberts and Devin White, both offseason signings, are expected to start, but the rest of the unit is unproven. That includes rookie Cody Lindenberg, a seventh-round pick from last month’s draft.
Smith now has a chance to compete for a spot on the roster and prove he can still contribute at the NFL level.
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