Career Timeline of Jaylon Smith: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Jaylon Smith built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jaylon Smith is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football at Notre Dame before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (34th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. A significant knee injury suffered in his final college game initially threatened his career, but he recovered to become a productive player for the Cowboys. He has also played for the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

February 6, 2013: Signs Letter of Intent to Notre Dame

On February 6, 2013, Jaylon Smith signed his letter of intent and committed to play football at the University of Notre Dame. He was highly regarded as the best outside linebacker recruit of his class and played in the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

2013: Starting Linebacker at Notre Dame

In 2013, Jaylon Smith secured the starting DOG linebacker position for Notre Dame, starting all 13 games. He recorded 67 tackles, including 6.5 for loss, one forced fumble, three pass break ups, and one interception. Notably, in a 34–30 victory against Arizona State in 2013, he made nine tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and he notched his first career interception against USC.

2014: Moved to Inside Linebacker

In 2014, with the arrival of new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, Jaylon Smith transitioned to an inside linebacker position. Starting all 13 games on defense, he recorded 112 tackles, including nine for loss, 3.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He was named the FBS Independent Co-Defensive Player of the Year and a second-team All-American by the Associated Press in 2014.

2015: Junior Year at Notre Dame

During his junior year in 2015, Jaylon Smith played in all 13 games, recording 115 tackles, nine tackles for loss, one sack, five passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. He also won the Butkus Award as college football's top linebacker in 2015.

January 11, 2016: Enters NFL Draft

On January 11, 2016, Jaylon Smith announced his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2016 NFL draft.

May 20, 2016: Signs with Dallas Cowboys

On May 20, 2016, Jaylon Smith signed a four-year, $6.49 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, including $4.42 million guaranteed and a $2.92 million signing bonus.

2016: Drafted by Dallas Cowboys

In 2016, Jaylon Smith was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (34th overall) of the NFL draft. The Cowboys chose him after an unsuccessful attempt to trade up to select Paxton Lynch. The pick was considered a gamble due to Smith's knee injury.

July 26, 2017: Full Pads Practice

On July 26, 2017, Jaylon Smith took part in practice in full pads for the first time since college. The Dallas Cowboys planned to use him as a backup and rotational player, but later changed plans after Anthony Hitchens' injury. Smith was named the starting middle linebacker.

October 22, 2017: First Career Sack

On October 22, 2017, Jaylon Smith recorded his first career sack during the Cowboys' win against the San Francisco 49ers. He forced a fumble and finished the 2017 NFL season with 81 combined tackles, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and one sack.

August 20, 2019: Contract Extension with Cowboys

On August 20, 2019, Jaylon Smith signed a five-year, $64 million contract extension with the Cowboys, securing his place through the 2024 season.

2019: First NFL Interception

In 2019, Jaylon Smith recorded his first career interception in the NFL, against the Washington Redskins. He finished the 2019 season with 2.5 sacks, 142 total tackles, one interception, nine passes defended, and two forced fumbles.

2019: Team Captain for Dallas Cowboys

In 2019, Jaylon Smith was elected as a first time team captain for the Dallas Cowboys season.

October 5, 2021: Released by Cowboys

On October 5, 2021, Jaylon Smith was released by the Dallas Cowboys after he declined to waive his 2022 injury guarantee contract clause. He had been passed on the depth chart by Micah Parsons and Keanu Neal. Jaylon Smith appeared in 4 games with 2 starts during the season.

October 7, 2021: Signed with Green Bay Packers

On October 7, 2021, Jaylon Smith signed with the Green Bay Packers.

November 2, 2021: Released by Packers

On November 2, 2021, Jaylon Smith was released by the Green Bay Packers.

December 17, 2021: Signed to Giants Practice Squad

On December 17, 2021, Jaylon Smith signed with the practice squad of the New York Giants, reuniting with former head coach Jason Garrett.

December 18, 2021: Activated as COVID-19 Replacement

On December 18, 2021, Jaylon Smith was activated from the practice squad as a COVID-19 replacement for the game against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys.

December 20, 2021: Promoted to Active Roster

On December 20, 2021, Jaylon Smith was promoted to the active roster of the New York Giants.

September 20, 2022: Re-signed to Giants Practice Squad

On September 20, 2022, Jaylon Smith was re-signed by the New York Giants to their practice squad.

October 1, 2022: Promoted to Active Roster

On October 1, 2022, Jaylon Smith was promoted to the active roster of the New York Giants, replacing Austin Calitro.

August 11, 2023: Signed with New Orleans Saints

On August 11, 2023, Jaylon Smith signed with the New Orleans Saints.

August 29, 2023: Released and Re-signed to Practice Squad

On August 29, 2023, Jaylon Smith was released by the New Orleans Saints and re-signed to the practice squad.

November 2, 2023: Signed by Las Vegas Raiders

On November 2, 2023, Jaylon Smith was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders off the Saints' practice squad.

November 22, 2023: Released by Raiders

On November 22, 2023, Jaylon Smith was released by the Las Vegas Raiders.

December 27, 2023: Signed to Steelers Practice Squad

On December 27, 2023, Jaylon Smith was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad. His contract expired at the end of the season and was not renewed.