4 reasons the Carolina Panthers should call Jaylon Smith immediately
By Dean Jones
Jaylon Smith is entering his prime
Although it seems like Jaylon Smith has been around forever, he is still just 26 years old and should have his best years ahead of him. The former Notre Dame star took the league by storm before production tailed off somewhat in 2020, but he wasn’t the only member of the Dallas Cowboys defense to say that under Mike Nolan.
Most free agents we see on the market at this time of year are either a little long in the tooth or simply don’t have the necessary skills to make a difference. Smith is neither of these.
He seems to fit in with what the Carolina Panthers are trying to do defensively. Even if his ability in coverage has been called into question of late.
That being said, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to acquiring Smith in free agency. But the Panthers won’t be alone in potentially exploring the possibility in the coming hours.
Providing there is no drop-off in performance from Smith – who featured in 56 percent of Dallas’ snaps this season – then it represents a fantastic piece of business in an area of need.
Considering the Cowboys are still paying Smith $7.2 million this season, the price to acquire the linebacker might not be too steep, either.