The Las Vegas Raiders are currently holding their rookie minicamps in Henderson, Nevada, but it's not just rookies at practice. This is also a chance for teams to get a closer look at some veteran free agents.
Jaylon Smith was once one of the best linebackers in the NFL when he was with the Dallas Cowboys, but injuries derailed his career. The Raiders took a flyer on him back in 2023, but he only played in one game and was eventually released.
He wasn't able to land with another team for the 2024 season. However, the Raiders have a new coaching staff in place and appear to be interested in him.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter , Smith is at the Raiders' rookie minicamp, and it trying out for a roster spot. The former Pro Bowl linebacker has never played for head coach Pete Carroll before, but he does have a decent amount of experience in Patrick Graham's system at this point, having played for him while he was the defensive coordinator for the Giants and Raiders.
Smith is going to turn 30 in June, so he should have some juice left in the tank. That said, it's been several years since he was a Pro Bowl-level player.
There are some concerns about the Raiders' linebacker room, so there's an opportunity for a veteran player like Smith to stand out. Perhaps a year off was what he needed to get back on track.
It remains to be seen if the Raiders will end up signing him, but it's clear they're interested in bringing in another veteran linebacker.
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