Pro Bowl Linebacker Signs With Buccaneers' Rival

Former New York Giants linebacker is signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' NFC South rivals.

Kade Kimble | Aug 10, 2023

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rivals are signing a former Pro Bowl linebacker. The New Orleans Saints are signing Jaylon Smith, who last played with the New York Giants, reported by Jordan Schultz.

The Notre Dame product has played six seasons in the NFL and has spent time with three different franchises. He played for the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and Giants all within one season.

Smith was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019, his second to last full season with the Cowboys. Since then, as mentioned, Smith has bounced around different teams.

The Buccaneers take on the Saints in Week 4, the same week Saints running back Alvin Kamara returns from his suspension.

Smith was a second-round pick in the 2016 draft by the Cowboys. The linebacker played his best football over his five seasons with the team. He compiled 498 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and two interceptions. Of course, his best season was his 2019 Pro Bowl season.

The 6-foot-2, 245-pound linebacker could be a positive signing for the Buccaneers' rivals, and the Buccaneers will get a closer look in Week 4, as mentioned.

As a team, the Saints are currently in a unique spot. They've got Derek Carr under center now, and if he proves to be the upgrade he's supposed to be at the position, they could make a push to win the NFC South. If he proves to be a good addition, their race to the top of the division could very well start when Kamara returns against the Buccaneers.

With the NFC South still quite easy for a team to emerge from to make postseason play, the Saints are gearing up for a big season, whereas teams like the Buccaneers are beginning to focus on youth and rebuilding.

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Published Aug 10, 2023

KADE KIMBLE

Kade has been covering a wide variety of teams ranging from the NFL to the NBA and college athletics since joining Sports Illustrated's FanNation in 2022.