On Wednesday, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport hinted at the Green Bay Packers being the favorites to sign former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith. Less than 24 hours later, the two sides agreed to a deal.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero was first to report that Green Bay signed Smith to their roster. He’ll join a linebacker corps that has relied heavily on De’Vondre Campbell and Krys Barnes through the first four games.
Smith’s best days might be behind him, but he should provide a boost to Green Bay’s front seven. Over the course of his career in Dallas, the former Notre Dame star had 516 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 15 QB hits, six forced fumbles and 20 passes defended.
It could take Smith a few weeks to learn the Packers’ playbook, but it shouldn’t take him very long to get on the same page with his new head coach. Matt LaFleur was actually on Notre Dame’s coaching staff for the 2014 season.
The #Packers agreed to terms with LB Jaylon Smith, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 7, 2021
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It’d be quite unfair to expect Smith to play a huge role for the Packers this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals. That being said, he should receive more snaps as the season progresses.
If Smith performs well down the stretch, he could earn a lucrative contract in the offseason.
Green Bay fans, do you approve of the team’s latest signing?
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