Jaylon Smith Signs Surprisingly Low Deal with Cowboys, Promises Legendary Reunion

Frisco, TX – May 16, 2025 – The Dallas Cowboys have stunned the NFL by finalizing a contract with former star linebacker Jaylon Smith, but the deal is notably lower than expected for a former second-round pick and Pro Bowler, sources told ESPN. The Notre Dame product signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with a $1.5 million signing bonus, a modest figure compared to initial projections.

According to Spotrac, a contract for a veteran linebacker like Smith would typically be valued at around $5 million annually with a $2.5 million signing bonus, especially given his 2019 Pro Bowl pedigree and a prior $64 million extension with Dallas. Smith’s new deal, with a $1.2 million cap hit for 2025, provides significant financial flexibility for the Cowboys, akin to their recent contract with Leighton Vander Esch.

“We’re thrilled to bring Jaylon back at this value,” general manager Jerry Jones said. “It allows us to add a seasoned player without compromising our long-term plans.”

Smith’s lower-than-expected contract may stem from concerns about his physical condition and performance. At 29 years old, Smith has endured multiple injuries, including a severe ACL and LCL tear at Notre Dame in 2016, which impacted his speed and coverage ability. After leaving Dallas in 2021, he played just one game for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 and was absent from the NFL in 2024, raising doubts about his ability to return to elite form.

Still, Smith brings undeniable experience and tenacity. With 516 tackles, 9 sacks, and 5 fumble recoveries during his Cowboys tenure, he was once among the NFL’s top linebackers. His standout moments include a 69-yard fumble return for a touchdown in a 2018 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping propel Dallas to the playoffs.

The Cowboys need a veteran linebacker to add depth after their defense ranked 18th against the run in 2024, particularly with Micah Parsons often deployed as a pass rusher rather than a traditional linebacker. Smith joins Leighton Vander Esch and Jabril Cox, forming a versatile trio to bolster the defense under Dan Quinn’s guidance.

“I’m back to help the Cowboys reclaim glory,” Smith told reporters. “This contract doesn’t change my hunger to prove myself. I’m here to get us to the Super Bowl.”

With Dak Prescott leading the offense with 4,200 passing yards and CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens dominating the receiving corps, the Cowboys are NFC championship contenders in 2025. Smith’s cost-effective deal gives Jerry Jones cap flexibility to pursue other targets, such as extending Micah Parsons or signing a veteran cornerback like Stephon Gilmore.

Cowboys fans on X erupted with the news, sharing Smith’s highlight reels and calling him the “fire coming back” to challenge the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East race. NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah remarked: “Smith is a low-risk, high-reward gamble. If he regains his form, Dallas will have a fearsome defense.”

Under Mike McCarthy’s leadership, the Cowboys are eyeing the 2025 season with Super Bowl aspirations. Smith’s contract is a strategic move to strengthen the roster, and his return could be the key to bringing Dallas back to the top. Cowboys fans, get ready for an emotional reunion!

About the Dallas Cowboys: The team is preparing for training camp and the 2025 season with their sights set on an NFC championship. Stay updated on the Cowboys at dallascowboys.com and nfl.com.