The Packers ended up winning the quickly developing recruiting battle for Jaylon Smith, but they fended off multiple NFC suitors to do so. Both Carolina and Washington were in the mix for the longtime starter last week, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com notes.
With the Cowboys still on the hook for Smith’s $7.2MM base salary this season, the Packers landed the sixth-year defender for the league minimum. This amount to a recruiting competition instead of a bidding war, but Schefter adds Smith was interested in joining both the Panthers and Washington.
Smith’s relationship with Packers HC Matt LaFleur mattered here. Despite LaFleur coaching Notre Dame’s quarterbacks for just one season (2014, when Smith was a sophomore), Schefter notes he and Smith have kept in touch throughout Smith’s career and the relationship moved the needle. Smith did not suit up for Green Bay’s Week 5 game in Cincinnati, marking his first absence since Week 17 of his injury-redshirt rookie season, but will obviously be on track to contribute soon.
The Panthers have been busy on the trade front already, acquiring corners Stephon Gilmore and C.J. Henderson. They are looking for offensive linemen as well. Carolina moved Jermaine Carter into a three-down role alongside Shaq Thompson at this season’s outset. Washington used a first-round pick on Jamin Davis this year. He has played a part-time role thus far, with Cole Holcomb serving as a three-down ‘backer for the struggling WFT defense. The Cowboys had used Smith as a three-down player for years, but they reduced his snaps this season after making key offseason additions at the position.
Ooh, the Panthers would have been a great fit for Smith especially. Scheme wise, they would have been a better fit than Green Bay I think. Either way, I think that he was a good addition for the Packers and should be an upgrade inside.
The short term Smith will upgrade any teams LB corp. The issue is bigger though. The extension will be the deal unless he changes his Injury language in his contract? So look to the off season to see if he softens his approach or hardlines as he did in Dallas? If not he could land just about anywhere next year?
Just get used to seeing the back of Smith’s jersey. He’s usually trying to chase someone down or he’s out of position and his tackling leaves a lot to be desired.
He’ll fit right in with GB’s defense. Be like having another #20 on the field.
Your angst is misdirected. The biggest problem in GBs secondary is #26. A midget with poor instincts is never a good idea at safety.