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
The NFL rarely sees big-name playmakers changing teams midway through the season. Contracts are guaranteed at this point in the year, and the financial motivations mostly disappear after the NFL calendar turns in June. Despite this, headlines were made this week when the Cowboys released former star linebacker Jaylon Smith.
Smith, a former second-round pick in 2016, had earned a massive five-year, $64 million deal in 2019. He entered the league with durability concerns after his catastrophic knee injury at Notre Dame, but has been as reliable as they come. And he filled the stat book with 154 total tackles in 2020.
None of this stopped the Cowboys from reinvesting heavily into the linebacker position this offseason. Smith’s film wasn’t as impressive as his stat line or contract would suggest, and it was only a matter of time until the Cowboys looked to save some of the $9.2 million owed to Smith in 2022.
Now a free man at just 26 years old, Smith gets to choose where he can restart his career. We’ve identified five teams that must show interest in the 6’2”, 245-pounders.
Chiefs
Sitting at 2-2 and dealing with both injuries and poor play along the second-layer of their defense, the Chiefs must consider adding healthy, talented bodies to their defense. The Chiefs’ defense is 31st in points allowed (31.2 per game) and it’s not as if their schedule will ease up. Every opponent will continue to target Nick Bolton and Ben Niemann every chance they get.
Smith hasn’t been an impactful coverage player since bulking up to play in the middle of the defense. However, finding a great coverage linebacker is nearly impossible. Smith would benefit from sliding outside and playing next to someone more suited to be the true MIKE, and the Chiefs have one in Anthony Hitchens.
Coaches say a defense is only as good as their weakest link. Kansas City would benefit from reducing Bolton’s snaps with Smith. He’s a more reliable run defender thanks to experience.
Chargers
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.
Washington Football Team
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.
Ravens
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.
Packers
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.