Packers Finalize One-Year Deal For LB Jaylon Smith

By Adam Roberts – 10/7/2021

It was predicted yesterday evening and officially confirmed by ESPN’s Rob Demovsky earlier this morning.

After a week of constant talk surrounding the injuries on the defensive side of the ball and losing out on Stephon Gilmore, the Packers did bring in a notable name in former-Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith. Demovsky reports the deal is for one year and that it will be favorable to Green Bay from a financial perspective since Dallas is on the hook for the rest of Smith’s current salary.

The 26-year-old had a diminished role with the Cowboys this year after the addition of Micah Parsons, but with Green Bay he could slide into the role currently held by Krys Barnes. He suffered a concussion against San Francisco and didn’t play against Pittsburgh last week.

Smith has some familiarity with Packer head coach Matt LaFleur; the two were at Notre Dame during the same time period. “He’s a veteran guy who’s played at a high level,” LaFleur said earlier this morning.

Green Bay takes on the Bengals this Sunday in Cincinnati.