Saints: LB Jaylon Smith gets reps with first-team defense
The New Orleans Saints needed some linebacker depth to assist All-Pro Demario Davis. Well, they did so with a former second-round pick. Jaylon Smith signed a one-year deal with New Orleans last week. However, he's already making an impression as he saw reps with the first team defense on Thursday. All-Pro Demario Davis is battling […]
The New Orleans Saints needed some linebacker depth to assist All-Pro Demario Davis. Well, they did so with a former second-round pick.
Jaylon Smith signed a one-year deal with New Orleans last week. However, he's already making an impression as he saw reps with the first team defense on Thursday.
All-Pro Demario Davis is battling back from a calf issue, which at one time had D'Marco Jackson, a fifth-round pick from 2022 at the top of the linebacker depth chart for the Saints. That made the Smith signing pretty much a necessity for the Saints, especially after a visit with veteran Anthony Barr didn't result in a deal.
After Smith missed his rookie campaign due to the devastating knee injury he suffered in his final collegiate game, he logged 498 tackles, two interceptions, nine sacks, 20 pass breakups, six forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries for the Dallas Cowboys.
Smith was released by the Cowboys in 2021. After a few games with the Green Bay Packers that year, Smith signed with the New York Giants. Last season, Smith logged 88 tackles in 13 games with 11 starts for them.
The Saints don't need Smith to be a Pro Bowl-type player or anything, just a solid veteran that can contribute alongside Davis.
Saints rookie returns to practice
A very encouraging sign.
Feature image via Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
