Raiders bring back veteran linebacker after minicamp tryout

Vincent Bonsignore, Las Vegas Review-Journal on May 11, 2025

Published in Football

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LAS VEGAS — The Raiders are signing veteran linebacker Jaylon Smith, who has not played in the NFL since 2023.

The former Notre Dame standout was once one of the most productive linebackers in the league. He had 121 or more tackles in three straight seasons for the Dallas Cowboys from 2018 to 2020. Injuries have marred his career, however. Smith last played for the Raiders in 2023 and appeared in one game.

The team decided to bring him back after having him try out at its rookie minicamp over the weekend. The 29-year-old, who was selected in the second round of the 2016 draft by the Cowboys, will now compete in a linebacker room that is short on experience aside from starters Elandon Roberts and Devin White.

The Raiders are also signing former Penn State safety Jonathan Sutherland after he tried out for them during their rookie minicamp.

Sutherland, 26, was on the Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants practice squads the last two seasons after going undrafted in 2023.

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