Former Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith will partake in the Raiders minicamp tryout as he’s attempting an NFL comeback. According to several reports, the veteran linebacker is trying to play again in the league after being absent for the 2024 campaign. Originally selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the former Notre Dame product began his career in Dallas, since the team made a huge investment in the linebacker despite him missing his entire rookie season. However, he made up for it, recording 81 tackles, two forced fumbles and a sack while working as a part-time starter on Dallas’ defense.
Smith became a full-time player the following season in the pass rushing unit and was a contributor to why the Cowboys appeared in the NFC Divisional round. The linebacker did enjoy two more productive seasons with the Cowboys defense before the team released him a month into the 2021 campaign after declining to waive his 2022 injury guarantee contract clause. He could no longer fit the bill with the Cowboys, so it makes sense why the team had to move on, especially since he has a strong injury history. Smith became a journeyman for the rest of his career, just spending a month with the Green Bay Packers before signing with the Giants.
From there, Smith appeared in three different teams, including the Raiders, who are giving him a new opportunity to revive his career. However, there could be other teams that may generate interest in Smith.
Former Cowboys and Giants LB Jaylon Smith, who last played in the NFL in 2023, is participating this weekend in the Raiders mini camp on a tryout basis. pic.twitter.com/0AeM5sRrm8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 10, 2025
Former Cowboys Pro Bowler Jaylon Smith Attempting NFL Comeback – 5 Potential Destinations
Possible Fits
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys already have a promising pass-rushing unit after signing Dante Fowler Jr. and trading for Kenneth Murray Jr. to salvage their unit. They also signed Jack Sanborn, who could surprise many this upcoming season. However, nobody should count out a Smith reunion. This makes too much sense for it not to happen, and Jerry Jones might take a chance on him for one last ride.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Commanders could intervene with the Cowboys since head coach Dan Quinn has been signing several former Cowboys stars. After bringing back Michael Gallup, it shouldn’t be surprising if Quinn brings back Smith out of temporary retirement to run it back with Dorance Armstrong, Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner.
Los Angeles Chargers
Sooner or later, the Los Angeles Chargers will need the next successor of Khalil Mack. Despite bringing him back, they will have to find a capable replacement. Since they released Joey Bosa, they may take a chance on Smith on a temporary contract to bolster this pass-rushing unit while they find a capable talent in next year’s draft.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers could use a linebacker as well since they let go of Jadeveon Clowney after one season. Josey Jewell can’t do it alone in that unit, and Smith could add some type of stability. It won’t be perfect, but it buys the Panthers time to experiment with the talent.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, it looks like the Ravens will have one of the worst pass-rushing units if they don’t make some moves to improve their roster. Unfortunately, they don’t have the financial resources to facilitate a prime-time trade. After losing Malik Harrison this year and Jadeveon Clowney last offseason, the Ravens can’t depend on Trenton Simpson to cover one side of the ball. Even if they sign Smith on a rental insurance-type contract, it should give some type of relief for Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh and Roquan Smith.
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