Despite signing him just this offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders could cut former Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith before the 2025 regular season. Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report believes Smith might be on the chopping block due to his gruesome injury 10 years ago during his college days at Notre Dame. This is a reach, as there hasn’t been any indication that the Raiders might be moving on, but the only way that a release is possible is due to another injury or he’s fading out of the depth chart. With that, it’s interesting that Davenport would say this; however, it makes sense in a way that this could happen depending on how he performs for the rest of the month.
The good news is that Smith is right behind Devin White in the linebacker room as a backup, so he doesn’t have to worry about losing his job anytime soon for now. Originally selected as a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Smith had a resurgent career with the Dallas Cowboys, finally putting on his best season in 2021, where he earned a Pro Bowl, recording 516 tackles, nine sacks and 2 interceptions to cap off his tenure. He went on to become a journeyman after two seasons with the Giants, the following year with the Cowboys. It’ll be interesting to see how the rest of his NFL journey winds up, but these teams could pursue him if it doesn’t work out in Las Vegas.
Breaking: Raiders Could Cut Former Pro Bowler Jaylon Smith – 4 Possible Fits
Potential Next Teams
Washington Commanders
This wouldn’t be a surprise move at all by head coach Dan Quinn to sign a former Cowboy if Smith becomes available. Ever since he came to Washington, he has been getting all of Dallas’ last seconds, and Smith could be one of them. Despite finally improving the linebacker unit between Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner with the signing of Von Miller, Smith could have at least four to five years in the tank. The linebacker isn’t explosive anymore, but if Quinn brought something out of Wagner, he might be able to do the same with Smith.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, it’s been a disappointing offseason for the Los Angeles Chargers as far as adding any capable and ferocious defensive playmakers. They’re lucky that veteran Khalil Mack is coming back since other linebackers like Denzel Perryman, Daiyan Henley and Tuli Tuipulotu haven’t been above average. Smith might not drastically improve this Chargers defense overnight, but it gives Jim Harbaugh a guy who could exceed expectations.
New Orleans Saints
However, the New Orleans Saints will be reliant on their defense due to the rebuild of their offense behind Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler. They lost Willie Gay in free agency and haven’t found a replacement. DeMario Davis and Pete Werner are returning, but Carl Granderson hasn’t been the best athlete out there. Smith won’t get first reps, but he should get more attention for a team that will likely have a struggling offense.
Dallas Cowboys
No one should rule out a return for Smith before he retires. The Cowboys invested in two low-stakes linebackers in Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray Jr. this offseason, so they’re experimenting to see how they could fit in Matt Eberflus‘ first year as the defensive coordinator for this team. Smith might retire in Dallas, but could have two years left to try to give the Cowboys a run for a Super Bowl.
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