5 NFL Teams That Should Sign Jaylon Smith

Oct 3, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) and cornerback Anthony Brown (30) celebrates during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

There was always skepticism about Smith’s role as a true middle man for good reason. He was at his peak at both Notre Dame and Dallas when he could fill a variety of roles. His breakout 2018 and 2019 seasons featured a combined 263 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 13 pass breakups, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 INT.

Getting that type of production out of any linebacker takes commitment and creativity. Dallas lost some of the motivation and ability to cater to Smith’s range of skills. The Chargers have a desperate need for depth and consistently at the position.

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley looks like the perfect fit for Smith. Easing him into a rotation with Kenneth Murray and Drue Tranquill would allow Smith to make an impact in limited snaps while also providing a pathway to a bigger comeback long-term. 

No one expected Washington to be sitting 30th in points against this year (30.5). This defense took advantage of some good fortune against backup quarterbacks in 2020 and the same level of play has disappeared against full-strength offenses. Adding any veteran bodies can help.

The secondary has disappointed after considerable investments into the unit, but the linebackers have been as big of a problem. Jamin Davis has just one start in four games, ceding playing time to Cole Holcomb and Jonathan Bostic. The problem is Holcomb and Bostic only affect the run game, combining for zero pass deflections and sacks so far.

It’s inexcusable considering they play behind one of the finest defensive lines in the NFL. Smith hasn’t had the same benefit but is still more productive in the same role. The potential pairing of Smith and Davis in particular offers a much higher upside for Washington.

Smith would absolutely benefit from the combination of need and fit with a great defensive coordinator in Baltimore. Although 2020 first-round pick Patrick Queen has struggled, the Ravens would benefit even more from adding the versatility Smith has as a rusher in addition to his run defense. Defensive coordinator Don Martindale has always been masterful with unleashing particular skill sets and Smith offers a unique one for him to work with.

The pathway for Smith to succeed is an early-down run defender and situational pass rusher. Queen struggles to diagnose run plays and break away from blockers at the point of contact. While Smith isn’t an All-Pro at either, he’s a more physical player and has improved enough to be no worse than average in this area. This is a move that raises the floor of the unit and potentially the ceiling if Smith proves to be a quality pass rusher that his tools suggest he could be.

The Packers have tried to make their linebacker unit work with castaways and patchwork fixes for years. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has unearthed a solid contributor this season with De’Vondre Campbell, but has seen little from Krys Barnes and Oren Burks. There’s a gaping hole on the roster for a second linebacker who can be trusted.

With a defensive line boasting terrific gap-eaters in Dean Lowry and Kenny Clark, Smith has a chance to walk into a situation where numbers come easily. Campbell would be freed for more coverage opportunities, a strength of his, and Smith would benefit from the gaps created by the 3-4 alignment. This might be the single biggest upgrade any of the five teams on our list would gain by signing Smith.

For Smith, he’d have the chance to win and excel in a new scheme and role. There’d be upside in getting more coverage snaps if he leans out and gains mobility. But he wouldn’t be isolated and exposed as much as he was in Dallas.