JAYLON SMITH FACES TOUGH CHALLENGE TO MAKE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS' FINAL ROSTER

Jaylon Smith, who made a name for himself with the Dallas Cowboys, has been given another shot at the NFL after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in May. His impressive past, which includes a Pro Bowl appearance in 2019, led many to believe that his road back to the NFL would be a success. However, despite the opportunity with the Raiders, Smith now faces an increasingly difficult path to secure a spot on the team’s final 53-man roster.

Smith’s signing came at a time when the Raiders were looking to bolster their linebacker corps, which had been lacking depth. Yet, after the recent additions of Germaine Pratt and Jamal Adams, both of whom bring significant experience, Smith's chance to make the roster is being tested. With a strong group of veterans already in place, the linebacker competition in Las Vegas has become even more intense.

In a recent projection of the Raiders' 53-man roster, the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore did not include Smith. Instead, he predicted the team would keep six linebackers: Elandon Roberts, Devin White, Pratt, Adams, Tommy Eichenberg, and Cody Lindenberg.

For Smith, this news presents a significant challenge. With several established linebackers on the roster, including Roberts, White, Pratt, and Adams, Smith is fighting for his spot against a mix of seasoned veterans and younger players. Adams, though new to the linebacker position after converting from safety, has impressed in both training camp and the preseason, further stacking the deck against Smith.

Meanwhile, Eichenberg and Lindenberg, recent draft picks of the Raiders, provide additional competition. Amari Gainer, another young linebacker, also remains in the mix for a roster spot.

Smith’s return to the NFL was seen as a long-awaited comeback after several seasons marred by injuries. Despite his Pro Bowl past, the road ahead has gotten much more complicated, and the veteran linebacker now faces an uphill battle to earn a place on the Raiders' final roster.

Although the competition is fierce, Smith remains determined to prove that he still belongs in the NFL. With experience, skill, and grit, he will continue fighting for a spot in what has become one of the most crowded linebacker rooms in the league. Only time will tell if his efforts are enough to overcome the growing challenge in Las Vegas.