Packers Joined by Jaylon Smith

Packers Joined by Jaylon Smith

Linebacker Jaylon Smith has signed with the Green Bay Packers. But the real question is: How does a player that talented and productive end up as a free-agent in the first place?

Well, the Dallas Cowboys released Smith on Wednesday. The linebacker has yet to miss a game in his 5-year career but the Cowboys were no longer as reliant on him as a player. In his final game with the Cowboys, Smith only played on 40% of the defensive snaps and only logged 1 tackle.

That begs another question. What type of player are the Packers getting. If Smith can recapture his form from previous years, he will certainly be a welcomed addition in Green Bay. Every season between 2018 and 2020, Smith had at least 121 tackles, including a career-high 154 last year.

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Even if Smith has slightly lost a step, this is a low-risk-high-reward type of scenario. While the Cowboys incurred cap costs by cutting Smith, the Packers will pay him the veteran minimum. As part of Smith’s contract, Dallas eats $7million in dead cap space as a cost of releasing him this year. Green Bay meanwhile signed Smith to a 1-year contract worth $770,00.

The move is a welcome sight for the Packers. As injuries begin to pile up, there are several key players on the shelf. That includes inside linebacker Krys Barnes. In his absence, Smith could get a chance to play serious snaps at inside linebacker. Even when Barnes returns, Smith will be excellent depth for a defense that is also hurt in other areas.

With 9.5 career sacks, Smith has shown the ability to get after the quarterback when called upon. Outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith recently had surgery and could potentially be out for the season. If Smith can play snaps as an OLB, all the more reason to sign him.

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– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.