The Dallas Cowboys made the surprising move to release Jaylon Smith on Tuesday, weeks after guaranteeing his 2021 salary. While Dallas will be paying the remainder of Smith’s $7.6 million salary this year, Smith will be suiting up for another team for the remainder of the season.
Smith may have fallen out of favor in Dallas, but there are suitors for a linebacker that has racked up 417 tackles and a Pro Bowl appearance from 2018 to 2020. The Cowboys releasing Smith this early in October allows the free agent to find a new home quickly, contributing to a defense immediately, and giving him an opportunity to boost his stock for that team — or another franchise — in 2022.
What teams could use Smith the most? Here are quite a few options for the veteran linebacker:
1. New York Giants
The Giants would be wise to give Smith a call, as their linebacker group took a major hit with Blake Martinez suffering a season-ending ACL injury. New York got through one game with Reggie Ragland, but can the Giants depend on him throughout the year?
Smith would provide an instant impact at MIKE, despite his deficiencies in pass coverage. New York needs a linebacker to line up in the box, which makes Smith an instant upgrade.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have one of the worst defenses in the NFL, so any proven player would be an upgrade on that unit. A team that allows 5.4 yards per carry (highest in the NFL), eight rushing touchdowns (second-most in NFL), and 146 rushing yards per game (third-highest in NFL) could use Smith at MIKE.
There are internal options Kansas City could use to shore up the run defense, but they could add Smith to the mix as well.
3. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay could certainly use help at linebacker with the 2021 outlook of Za’Darius Smith, who could be out for the season after undergoing back surgery. Krys Barnes and De’Vondre Campbell have been solid against the run, but Smith could replace Barnes in run defense.
The Packers are in the top half of the league in run defense, but Za’Darius Smith being out makes the linebacker position thin. Smith could aid Green Bay as part of the rotation.
4. Washington Football Team
Washington needs help on a defense that has been highly disappointing in 2021. The Football Team has given up the fourth-most yards and third-most points in the NFL this year, largely because of their lack of a pass rush and poor secondary.
Smith isn’t going to help Washington in pass coverage, but maybe he can help get the pass rush going as an extra attacker in the box. Jamin Davis hasn’t graded well against the run, so Smith should provide an upgrade there.
5. Las Vegas Raiders
Smith wouldn’t start in Vegas with Denzel Perryman playing well after four games, but the Raiders could use some depth. Vegas has one of the worst run defenses in the league, allowing 132.3 yards per game (23rd in NFL) and 4.9 yards per carry (29th in NFL).
Bottom line — Vegas needs a player who can line up in the box and make a tackle. Smith provides that for a team needing its defense to get off the field.
