Source: Jaylon Smith new Cowboys contract makes him 'top-5-paid' MLB

Source: Jaylon Smith new Cowboys contract makes him 'top-5-paid' MLB

FRISCO – The Dallas Cowboys have been working since early May on a contract extension for blossoming star Jaylon Smith. In that sense - driven in part by the linebacker’s attraction to doing business with “America’s Team” - the consummation of this agreement was predictable.

But I'm told the deal - which sources tell me is "long-term'' and will make Smith a "top-five-paid'' middle linebacker in the NFL -- the wasn’t finalized until hours before the 4:30 p.m. Tuesday press conference, a sign that 1) the devil is always in the details and 2) agreements can happen quickly or slowly.

"I want to be a Cowboy for life,'' Jaylon has told me repeatedly ... and now he is.

Five-year extension for $64M for #Cowboys LB #JaylonSmith, including $35M guaranteed. - @1053thefan pic.twitter.com/na41E5cats

— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) August 20, 2019

With the five-year, $64 mil (including $35 mil guaranteed) done? Next, of course, all involved would like similarly happy results for extension candidates Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper and Ezekiel Elliott. But first things first. This should be a celebration of Smith, a player Dallas took a chance on in the second round, 34th overall, in 2016, despite a gruesome knee injury that caused some NFL teams to view the Notre Dame star as undraftable.

Smith missed his entire rookie season in rehab, debuted in 2017 and in the 2018 season, started every game. He’s recorded 202 tackles (132 solo) in two regular seasons, with eight quarterback hits, five sacks, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

I have called Smith's return to football a "medical and spiritual miracle,'' and he does not agree.

“I feel like I'm an elite player again,” Smith told me recently. “It’s a great feeling to be doing this for 'America’s Team'' -- and hopefully doing it for many great years to come.''