Jaylon Smith Surprises Fans with Unexpected Performance at Raiders’ Rookie Minicamp

Jaylon Smith’s journey in the NFL has been nothing short of a rollercoaster—a blend of grit, grit, and a few unfortunate setbacks that most players might’ve folded under. This weekend, the former Pro Bowler is back in the spotlight, trying to carve out space at the Raiders’ rookie minicamp, no guarantees, just sheer determination. After a zigzagging path from a serious knee injury in college to bouncing between the Cowboys, Giants, Packers, and even a brief practice squad stint with the Steelers, Smith’s still fighting to prove he belongs on the field. His last real taste came in 2023, a brief cameo with the Raiders clocking 25 defensive snaps, but he’s hungry for more—and with a career stat sheet boasting 626 tackles and 11 sacks, don’t count him out just yet. This weekend’s tryout is more than a shot at a roster spot; it’s a fresh chapter waiting to be written. LEARN MORE.

Smith made the Pro Bowl in 2019 with the Cowboys, and he spent five years in Dallas before bouncing around the league. He also played games for the Giants and Packers.In 88 career games, 69 of them starts, Smith has totaled 626 tackles, 11 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, two interceptions, 21 passes defensed and six forced fumbles.He last appeared in a game in 2023 with the Raiders, getting 25 defensive snaps in one game.The Steelers signed him to their practice squad Dec. 27, but he did not see any action. The Cowboys made Smith a second-round pick in 2016 despite a serious knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl in his final game at Notre Dame. He missed all of his rookie season.

Veteran linebacker Jaylon Smith is participating in the Raiders’ rookie minicamp on a tryout basis this weekend, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.Smith has remained a free agent since the season ended.