Saints sign LB Jaylon Smith

The New Orleans Saints needed some depth at the linebacker position, and they got it Thursday. Former second-round pick, Jaylon Smith, who played with the New York Giants last season, is signing with the Saints. Smith was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016 but didn't play due to rehabbing a serious knee injury he […]

Matthew Lenix

Aug 10, 2023 5:31 PM EDT

The New Orleans Saints needed some depth at the linebacker position, and they got it Thursday.

Former second-round pick, Jaylon Smith, who played with the New York Giants last season, is signing with the Saints.

Sources: Former #Giants LB Jaylon Smith is signing with the #Saints after today’s workout.

The 2019 Pro Bowl LB had 88 tackles, 3 TFLs and 1 sack in 11 starts last season, while also leading NY with 21 tackles and a TFL in two playoff games. pic.twitter.com/TYO3QttaiF
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 10, 2023

Smith was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016 but didn't play due to rehabbing a serious knee injury he suffered in his last game with Notre Dame against Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. After 81 tackles in 2017, Smith had three consecutive seasons with over 100 tackles which included a Pro Bowl nod in 2019.

In October 2021, Smith was released by the Cowboys after he declined to waive an injury guarantee clause in his contract. He would play in a few games for the Green Bay Packers before being signed by the New York Giants in November 2021.

Smith has racked up 624 tackles, 11 sacks, two interceptions, 21 pass breakups, six forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and a touchdown during his career.

It's not a flashy move by the Saints, but it was needed.