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Former Cowboys star attempting NFL comeback

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated May 11, 2025 6:49 PM ET

A former Dallas Cowboys star is launching an NFL comeback attempt, and has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Linebacker Jaylon Smith, who has not played since 2023, is signing with the Raiders following a weekend tryout, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

After a weekend tryout, the Raiders are signing former Cowboys and Giants LB Jaylon Smith, per source. Smith now returns to the Raiders, where he played in 2023, his last NFL season. pic.twitter.com/MqcBZ6Vnvu
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 11, 2025

Smith established himself as a standout linebacker with the Cowboys, and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019. He has struggled to catch on elsewhere since the Cowboys released him in 2021 with the exception of a stint with the New York Giants in 2022. Injuries largely caught up with him, sapping him of his speed and making him less effective.

Smith briefly joined the Raiders in 2023 , playing one game for the team but failing to stick beyond that. This latest move reunites him with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who worked with Smith briefly in both 2021 and 2023.

At this point, the 29-year-old linebacker is a longshot to make the Raiders, but he will have the chance. The team could use some depth at the position, having lost both Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo to free agency during the offseason.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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