Report: Saints Sign Veteran Linebacker to Practice Squad
There was a lot of confusion at first when the New Orleans Saints released veteran linebacker Jaylon Smith during their 53-man roster cutdown. But there was a persistent awareness that a return may have been possible. Now, that return is a reality. Smith and the Saints have agreed on a deal that will land the coverage linebacker on their practice squad, per NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.
Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Jaylon Smith (59) during pregame warmups against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
By signing to the practice squad, the Saints and Smith now have ample options on how to proceed. The most anticipated series of moves would be to elevate Smith to the active roster in the next week or so should a player move to injured reserve. Wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith and offensive lineman Landon Young are two players that could be send to the list.
Another option would be for New Orleans to carry Smith into the regular season on the practice squad, occupying any spots opened by injured reserve moves with other options. That would allow the Saints to bring Smith up as a standard elevation on select game days.
New Orleans has the option to do so for three games before they must then make the decision to add him to the active roster or release him to the open market. That would give the team the advantage of seeing him fulfill a role in the regular season and making a decision with that additional exposure.
In either case, the return of Smith is a good and smart move by New Orleans. Head coach Dennis Allen was clear that the search for the off-ball coverage linebacker behind starters Demario Davis and Pete Werner was on. He was also sure not to rule out the return of Smith during his post-roster cuts press conference on Tuesday.
Now, we see why. Smith is back in New Orleans and the Saints linebacking corps is all the better for it.
