The Las Vegas Raiders are currently hosting rookie minicamp, featuring their 11-player draft class alongside a 15-man group of undrafted free agents. Among those invited was former Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith — and his brief stint in Silver and Black appears to have caught the attention of another former team.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Dallas Cowboys are signing Smith, bringing him back to the franchise that originally drafted him 34th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Smith, who turns 30 on June 14, last saw game action in 2023, logging just one appearance with the Raiders and tallying two tackles. It was a modest cameo, but apparently enough to reignite interest from Dallas.
Las Vegas Raiders Add LB Jaylon Smith
Over seven NFL seasons, Smith has compiled 626 tackles, 11 sacks, six forced fumbles, and two interceptions while spending time with the Cowboys, Packers, Giants, and Raiders. His most active recent stretch came in 2022 with the New York Giants, where he started 11 of 13 games and totaled 88 tackles, one sack, and a fumble recovery — again showing flashes of his run-stopping ability.
Before Smith can officially add to his career totals, he’ll need to earn a spot on the Cowboys’ final 53-man roster or prove enough value to land on the 16-man practice squad. The veteran joins a Dallas linebacker room that still values depth and experience.
While his days as a full-time starter may be behind him, Smith’s leadership, familiarity with the Cowboys system, and physicality could make him a useful addition — or at the very least, a player worth watching as camp unfolds.