Packers pick up former Pro-Bowl Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith
GREEN BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Green Bay Packers have officially signed a former Pro-Bowl linebacker.
OFFICIAL: #Packers sign LB Jaylon Smith
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 7, 2021
Welcome to Green Bay, @thejaylonsmith! ?: https://t.co/Lhh5gknCO5#GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/LxqJxIc4aE
NFL Insider Adam Schefter tweeted Thursday, Oct. 7, Jaylon Smith has joined the green and gold. Smith reportedly reached an agreement Thursday morning on a one-year deal.
Smith, a team captain, was released Wednesday by the Dallas Cowboys.
The Packers’ newest linebacker: pic.twitter.com/RTOyzFX5sL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2021
One of the factors in the Cowboys' decision to release Smith was a looming $9.2 million guarantee on his 2022 salary if he got injured.
Smith’s role had been reduced after Micah Parsons was drafted 12th overall this year and the Cowboys moved free-agent pickup Keanu Neal to linebacker from safety.
For the Packers, this move comes after losing outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith for an extended time with a back injury. Linebacker Krys Barnes also missed Sunday’s game against the Steelers with a concussion.
Jaylon Smith was a second round pick by the Cowboys in 2016.
