Jaylon Smith DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Free-agent linebacker Jaylon Smith has agreed to terms on an undisclosed contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news. The soon-to-be 30-year-old last suited up briefly with the Raiders back in 2023, but was released after one appearance and found no new work in 2024. In an attempt to restart his career, Smith was held on a tryout basis during Las Vegas' minicamp over the weekend and made a good enough impression to get a shot at the team. The Notre Dame product was a productive player during his last full season (2020), racking up 154 tackles in 16 games, and more recently accruing 88 takedowns over 13 contests as a Giant in 2022. A veteran presence in the Raiders' linebacker room would be a welcome addition, but there's no telling what kind of condition he'll be in after nearly two years off. He likely operates in a depth role on defense, with the opportunity for more depending on his performance.

Former Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants linebacker Jaylon Smith, who last played in the NFL in 2023, is taking part in the Las Vegas Raiders' minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Smith was a second-round selection (34th overall) in 2016 out of Notre Dame and had 100-plus total tackles in three of his first four NFL seasons with Dallas, earning his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2019. He has bounced around the league and dealt with injuries since leaving the Cowboys, but he did have 88 total tackles (46 solo) and a sack in 13 games (11 starts) with the Giants in 2022. He only played in one game with Vegas in 2023 and was briefly on the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad last year, but he didn't see any action. The 29-year-old would give the Raiders some additional linebacker depth if he reunites with them.