The Green Bay Packers have signed former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith for the remainder of the 2021 NFL season. Smith was released by Dallas earlier in the week and was linked to the Packers fairly quickly. He is expected to work his way up the depth chart to either a primary backup spot or even a starter alongside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell. His role with Dallas had slowly diminished and had he got hurt on their roster his cap hit would have become considerably more significant.
Keep an eye on the #Packers for former #Cowboys Pro Bowl LB Jaylon Smith, sources say. They are making a push. Coach Matt LaFleur was at Notre Dame with Smith and is a fan. Multiple teams are still in the mix, as well, and it’s not over yet.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 6, 2021
Former Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith has reached agreement on a one-year contract with the Packers, sources told @AdamSchefter.
His agent Doug Hendrickson confirmed the agreement to ESPN. pic.twitter.com/BbBR8yzUDX
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 7, 2021
The college connection between Smith and Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur is likely what helped seal the deal in contract negotiations. Green Bay reportedly wanted to acquire Stephon Gilmore from the New England Patriots, but could not afford the trade with their current cap space. Jaylon Smith is owed the entirety of his salary this year by the Dallas Cowboys so it changed things.
The Jaylon Smith play that Cowboys fans will probably remember most from his time in Dallas. At Houston, Week 5 in 2018. Fourth-and-goal from the 1 with 10 seconds left in the first half. pic.twitter.com/Ht3Our5QQQ
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) October 6, 2021
Jaylon Smith has shown promise in the past and has even made a Pro Bowl. A change of scenery might be exactly what he needs to right the ship of his career.
