Fansided

NFL rumors: 5 teams that should sign Jaylon Smith

By Aryanna Prasad

Dec 13, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) celebrates after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) celebrates after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 20: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates tackling Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half in the game at AT&T Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 20: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates tackling Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half in the game at AT&T Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

2. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have a troubling reputation for devaluing linebackers in the draft — or, at least, they never seem to opt for the high-value picks early on.

As FanSided’s Geoffrey Knox reiterates, the Philadelphia Eagles haven’t taken a linebacker in the first round of any NFL Draft since they selected Jerry Robinson out of UCLA in 1979.

Of all the defenses listed, the Eagles are the only one that lacks a true superstar linebacker. Despite the injuries, the Packers have a handful; the Seahawks have a future Hall of Famer; the Bears have young stars on their way to Hall of Fame careers.

The Eagles? They have Eric Wilson, Alex Singleton and Genard Avery.

It wouldn’t be difficult to imagine Smith stealing away the position from Wilson, or beating out Singleton or Avery for the job. Aside from the opportunities present, Smith could play up on the Eagles in an attempt to steal the NFC East away from the Cowboys. It likely wouldn’t work out this year, but another Eagles Super Bowl in the future? It would make the pain of the shocking cut worth it.

1. New England Patriots

After “The Return”, the Brady versus Belichick debate lingers, but one thing was proven there that night: the Patriots are the best 1-3 team in the NFL.

Mac Jones looks to be the best rookie quarterback of the 2021 Draft class so far, the tight end acquisitions are finally getting touchdowns, Jakobi Meyers is the new Edelman, Matt Judon opened October with a frightening performance and the Patriots defense have proven they can do anything… literally (it’s what threw off Brady in the big game).

If the Patriots add Jaylon Smith to their lineup, it would signal the return of the Boogeymen this October.

Like Wagner, Dont’a Hightower has number 54 on lock, but Smith could see opportunity at some point alternating on plays between Hightower, Judon or Kyle Van Noy.

If there’s anyone who can find room for a player, it’s Bill Belichick — and there’s no one who likes to win rings with castoffs more than Bill.

light. Must Read. Should the Eagles screw over Cowboys and sign Jaylon Smith?

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