Team Releases LB Jaylon Smith, Signs Elerson Smith To Practice Squad

Smith was originally a second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys back in 2016. Originally one of the top prospects that year, he suffered a devastating knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl, causing his draft stock to fall and he would miss his entire NFL rookie season because of that injury.

He would bounce back however, totaling 498 tackles in more than four seasons with the Cowboys, being named a Pro Bowler in 2019. He had since bounced around to the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants before winding up with the Raiders.

In his place, the Raiders are bringing in Elerson Smith, a former fifth-round pick of the Giants in 2021. He spent two seasons in New York appearing in nine games and totaling 11 tackles, two QB hits and one forced fumble in that time. He signed to the New York Jets practice squad earlier this year but was released on November 1.

Raiders claim cornerback Jack Jones off waivers

This is just the latest in the Raiders looking to make moves to improve their defense. Last week the team claimed former New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones off of waivers after he was surprisingly released.

Jones had a promising rookie year in New England as he had 30 tackles, six passes defensed and two interceptions. He came into this season as a starter for the Patriots, but injuries forced him to miss time and his snaps dwindled as rumors of off-field issues came down as well.

Nonetheless, this move could hopefully help Jones to regain his prior form and it reunites him with Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce, who coached Jones in high school at Long Beach Poly and in college as Pierce was a member of the staff at Arizona State.