Context:

The Las Vegas Raiders have signed former Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith, who has not played a full season since 2020 due to injuries and missed the entire 2024 season. Smith, a second-round pick from Notre Dame by the Dallas Cowboys, had a promising start to his career with over 120 tackles in three consecutive seasons from 2018-2020. Despite his recent injury history, the Raiders see Smith as a low-risk addition with the potential for significant impact if healthy. Smith played only one game in 2023, making two tackles, and now at 29, he is eager to prove he can still contribute to an NFL team. The Raiders' decision to sign Smith follows a successful weekend tryout, with reports confirming a deal was finalized on Sunday evening.

Dive Deeper:

• The Las Vegas Raiders have added Jaylon Smith to their roster, a former Pro Bowl linebacker who missed the entire 2024 NFL season and played in only one game in 2023, showcasing the team's willingness to take risks to enhance their defensive lineup.

• Smith was initially drafted by the Dallas Cowboys as a second-round pick from Notre Dame, where he had injury challenges but managed to play 16 games each season for his first four years in the NFL, illustrating his resilience and early career promise.

• From 2018 to 2020, Smith achieved over 120 tackles for three consecutive seasons, highlighting his capability as a formidable defensive player before injuries started to affect his performance and availability.

• Smith's recent play history has been limited, with his game appearances decreasing significantly over the last few seasons, but the Raiders see potential value in his experience and skills if he is able to maintain good health.

• At 29, Smith considers this opportunity with the Raiders as potentially his last chance to prove he can perform at the NFL level, motivated to make the most of this chance and contribute positively to the team's defense.

• The decision to sign Smith was made after a weekend tryout, with the deal being finalized on a Sunday evening, reflecting the Raiders' strategic approach to improving their defense with seasoned yet low-risk players.

• Smith's addition is seen as a low-cost gamble for the Raiders; if he remains injured, the financial implications are minimal, but if healthy, he could be a significant asset to their defensive efforts.

• The Las Vegas Raiders looked to an interesting place to try and improve their defense.

• They just signed a player who missed the entire 2024 season and had only played in one game in 2023.

• But after a weekend tryout, Vegas decided former Cowboys Pro-Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith was worth bringing aboard.

• Multiple reports indicated a deal was reached Sunday evening.

• Smith was once a second-round pick by Dallas out of Notre Dame.

• He had injury issues in college, but then he played 16 games in each of his first four NFL seasons. He had three consecutive seasons of more than 120 tackles from 2018-2020.

• But his games played since then have gone 10-13-1-0.

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• Injuries returned, and now Smith is just hoping for this one final shot.

• He played one game for the Raiders in 2023, totaling two tackles.

• Now 29 years old, Smith is a low-risk add for the Raiders.

• If he's at all healthy, he can still likely be an impact contributor.

• If he's still hurting, it won't cost much of anything to get rid of Smith later in the summer.

• For Smith, it's simply a chance to prove he can still play, and he'll do his best to seize the opportunity.

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