Jaylon Smith once stood as one of the most inspiring comeback stories in modern football. From a devastating injury in his final college game to carving out a productive NFL career, Smith defied the odds once before. Now, after being out of the league since 2023, he’s trying to defy them again. According to multiple reports, the former Dallas Cowboys linebacker is participating in the Las Vegas Raiders’ minicamp on a tryout basis, hoping to revive a professional career that once seemed all but over, then unexpectedly reignited — and faded just as quickly.
Smith’s journey back to the NFL begins in familiar territory: uncertainty. There are no guarantees in May tryouts, and very few veteran players land full contracts from these opportunities. Still, the Raiders appear interested enough in Smith to give him a close look. It’s a testament to the respect he still commands around the league and perhaps a sign that Las Vegas, under new leadership and with a restructured front office, is serious about exploring all options to bolster its linebacker room — even ones that come with medical baggage and past performance concerns.
To understand why this is newsworthy, you have to revisit the arc of Smith’s career. A former Notre Dame standout, he was widely considered a top-five pick entering the 2016 NFL Draft before suffering a catastrophic knee injury — a torn ACL and LCL — in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State. That injury cost him his entire rookie season and introduced questions about whether he’d ever play again. But the Dallas Cowboys took a chance, selecting Smith in the second round, and their gamble initially paid off.
Smith made his NFL debut in 2017, appearing in all 16 games and recording 81 tackles. By 2018, he was a full-time starter, and in 2019, he earned his first — and only — Pro Bowl nod after tallying 142 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 9 tackles for loss. He became a vocal leader in the Cowboys’ locker room and was seen as the emotional heart of the defense. That same year, the Cowboys rewarded him with a five-year, $64 million contract extension, signaling their belief in his long-term potential as a cornerstone of the franchise.
But things changed quickly. While Smith continued to post high tackle numbers, his play began to draw criticism. Analysts and fans pointed to declining speed, poor coverage skills, and missed assignments. By 2021, he had fallen out of favor with the Cowboys’ coaching staff, and Dallas surprisingly released him just four games into the season despite the hefty contract. It was a move that stunned many but reflected how far his on-field value had dropped in the eyes of the organization.
Smith landed with the Green Bay Packers shortly after but lasted just two games. He then joined the New York Giants later in the 2021 season and showed flashes of his old self, ultimately finishing the year with 88 combined tackles in 13 games (11 starts) for New York. He returned to the Giants for the 2022 season and played in 13 more games, recording 88 tackles yet again. But despite his production, the offers dried up. He was unsigned throughout 2023 and faded from the headlines, leading many to assume that his NFL career had quietly come to an end.
Yet Smith never gave up on football. He stayed in shape, trained privately, and according to those close to him, remained hopeful that the right opportunity would come along. That hope appears to have materialized in the form of the Raiders’ minicamp invite. Las Vegas is in a transitional phase under new general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce. Known for his fiery, defense-first mentality, Pierce is reshaping the Raiders in his image. That means adding toughness, experience, and players who’ve had to fight through adversity — traits Smith embodies in abundance.
Linebacker is also a position of need for the Raiders. After letting several veterans walk and failing to address the spot significantly in free agency or the early rounds of the draft, the depth chart remains unsettled. Divine Deablo, Robert Spillane, and Luke Masterson currently headline the group, but the unit lacks star power and proven versatility. Smith, at his best, could theoretically offer both. He brings seven years of NFL experience, leadership, and the ability to play multiple linebacker roles if healthy and mentally sharp.
Of course, that’s a major “if.” The same injury that once derailed his draft stock has cast a shadow over his entire career. Though Smith was able to return to the field, some scouts believe he never fully regained the explosiveness and lateral movement that made him such a dynamic defender at Notre Dame. Combine that with the high mileage of nearly 600 career tackles and several team changes, and it’s understandable why teams have been hesitant to take another chance.
Still, Smith’s name commands attention. He’s a former Pro Bowler with over 500 career solo tackles. He’s played in playoff games, captained a defense, and become a symbol of perseverance for fans and teammates alike. His intangibles — work ethic, football IQ, and character — have never been in doubt. In an NFL world increasingly aware of locker room culture and leadership, those traits matter.
The Raiders, too, could benefit from a strong veteran presence. As Pierce looks to instill a new identity, bringing in a player like Smith could be more about setting a tone than filling up a stat sheet. Smith knows how to prepare, how to deal with adversity, and how to support younger players. Even if he doesn’t make the final 53-man roster, his presence in minicamp could influence decisions on others vying for a spot.
What makes Smith’s story so compelling isn’t just the possibility of a return, but the emotional stakes behind it. This is a player who lost millions in draft position, fought back to earn it again, lost it once more, and now stands at the edge of another uphill battle. His journey reflects the often cruel and unforgiving nature of professional football — but also its capacity for redemption and resilience.
If this tryout doesn’t lead to a contract, it won’t diminish what Smith has accomplished. He’s already beaten the odds once, made his mark on the game, and inspired countless players and fans with his recovery and perseverance. But if it does lead to another chance — whether with the Raiders or another team that takes notice — it will be one of the more remarkable comebacks in recent memory.
The NFL has always loved second chances. From veterans finding new homes late in their careers to injury-plagued players finding their stride again, the league is filled with stories of players who simply refused to give up. Jaylon Smith is writing his own chapter in that book. Whether it’s a final hurrah or the beginning of a new act, he’s once again putting on pads and lining up against younger, faster, and perhaps more hyped competitors — with nothing guaranteed except the opportunity.
For Raiders fans, it’s a low-risk move that might turn into a feel-good story. For Smith, it’s everything. After months in football limbo, he’s back on the field, back in the mix, and back where he belongs — trying to prove he still has something left in the tank. And if he does, don’t be surprised if the NFL finds a place for a man who’s never stopped believing in himself, even when the rest of the league did.