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Las Vegas Raiders give former Notre Dame legend a shot at redemption after forgettable stretch and a long absence

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated May 12, 2025 10:35 AM ET

It was a remarkable NFL career arc for former Notre Dame legend Jaylon Smith. The talented linebacker was once viewed as a potential top 10 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, but a devastating knee injury against the Ohio State Buckeyes and offensive tackle Taylor Decker in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl made his future outlook bleak. That caused Smith to fall to the second round of that draft to the Dallas Cowboys, but Smith made the most of an unfortunate situation.

Defying the odds, Smith would go on to becoming a Pro Bowl performer for the Cowboys. In five years with the team, Smith would record 516 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two interceptions, and 20 pass breakups. It was a very successful stretch, although it didn’t last very long. The quality of Smith’s play eventually trended downward, and he was left to try and find a new home after he was released during the 2021 season after declining to waive his 2022 injury guarantee contract clause with the team.

After a brief two-game stint with the Green Bay Packers, Smith eventually latched on with the New York Giants. He would be with the team through the 2022 season, showing some signs of positive play. The 6-2, 240-pound defender was once again tasked with finding a new home following that season. His options weren’t ideal, spending some time with the New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders before eventually being signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad.

It appeared following that 2023 season that Smith’s career could be coming to a close. He did not suit up for anyone during the 2024 NFL season, and his future was in limbo. It was assumed he may drift off into the sunset and begin the next phase of his career. The story isn’t done quite yet.

It was announced last week that Smith had a tryout schedule with the Raiders, the team he spent part of the 2023 season with. It appears Smith performed well, earning a contract from head coach Pete Carroll and the Seahawks.

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

It’s uncertain what Smith’s outlook in 2025 is, but it’s great to see him back on the football field. On paper, the linebacker group for Las Vegas isn’t in a great spot with Devin White and Elandon Roberts penciled in to start inside. If Smith is healthy, it appears he could have an opportunity to gain reps as a backup at least.

The journey has been unlikely for Smith, especially after seeing that injury live. Most Fighting Irish fans remember him for what he was, and All-American force and a playmaker. He ended his three-year career in South Bend with 284 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one interception, and 10 pass breakups.

Nobody knows how Smith’s Raiders career will end, and his perception from the NFL side might not be much more than a feel good story. For Notre Dame fans, everyone remembers how special of a player and person that No. 9 truly was.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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