Former Cowboys 2nd-rounder Jaylon Smith looking to help Steelers’ thin linebacker depth
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Jaylon Smith isn’t concerned about joining the Pittsburgh Steelers just five days before they face the Seattle Seahawks with their playoff hopes on the line.
He’s gotten ready to play in NFL games on shorter notice.
Earlier this year, in fact, Smith had less preparation when the Las Vegas Raiders signed the 28-year-old inside linebacker off the New Orleans Saints practice squad. Three days later, he was in uniform and played 25 snaps for Las Vegas in its game against the New York Giants.
“I’ve done it before, multiple times,” said Smith, one of two players the Steelers signed to the practice squad Wednesday. “I’ve signed with a team Friday and played 48 hours later, gotten in on a Thursday and started on Sunday. For me, it’s getting here, getting around the guys, understanding the chemistry and what we’re trying to do and achieve and getting the playbook down.
“From there, I know what I can do on the field.”
Smith, though, hasn’t gotten much opportunity to show it in recent seasons. A second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2016 and a Pro Bowl player in 2019, Smith has bounced around the NFL the past three seasons.
In 2021, he played for three teams — Dallas, Green Bay and the New York Giants. He appeared in 13 games, starting 11, with the Giants in 2022. This year, he was on the Saints practice squad until Las Vegas signed him in early November.
Smith’s stay in the desert lasted less than a month. He didn’t play again after that lone appearance and was unemployed when the Steelers called Tuesday.
Smith was signed to be insurance on a depleted inside linebacker group. Elandon Roberts will miss the game against Seattle with a pectoral injury, leaving the position in the hands of Mykal Walker, Myles Jack and Blake Martinez — all three of whom were in-season additions. Little-used Mark Robinson is the lone holdover from last season.
“I don’t know what my role is going to be,” Smith said. “What I’m going to do is make sure I’m ready for whatever. I’m a guy that has experience, and I know I can still add a lot of value to a team. Being here in Pittsburgh, I understand the Steel Curtain tradition. For me, it’s giving all that I’ve got, applying pressure and applying value.”
Smith maintains that health is not an issue and the only obstacle preventing him from contributing immediately is getting a grasp of the playbook.
“I still have a lot left in the tank,” he said.
The Steelers also signed former XFL safety Nate Meadors to the practice squad. He replaces safety Henry Black, who was signed to the Indianapolis Colts’ 53-man roster Tuesday.