OK, let's try this again: The Saints are poised to add a veteran linebacker to a group that's been depleted by injuries.
Veteran linebacker Jaylon Smith has agreed to a deal with the Saints, according to reports. The former Cowboys and Giants LB worked out for the team on Thursday.
It's a notable signing at a position the team was clearly targeting, after working out veterans Anthony Barr and Kareem Hunt earlier in the week, only for them to leave without deals.
The Saints have already lost depth LB Andrew Dowell for the season with an ACL tear, and have been without Demario Davis for an extended period due to a calf issue.
Smith brings significant experience to his credit, having appeared in 87 games and logging 624 tackles, 11 sacks, 2 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles and 6 fumble recoveries in his six NFL seasons. He joined the Giants midway through the 2022 season and appeared in 13 games, starting 11, while rolling up 88 tackles and a sack, while also starting two playoff games and leading the team with 21 tackles.
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Smith was among the top prospects out of college at Notre Dame, but his career was upended by a major knee injury in a bowl game and he was ultimately selected in the second round by the Dallas Cowboys.
With the Saints he'll now joined a group headlined by Davis and third-year pro Pete Werner, but one that's got significant depth questions. He'll likely join the depth chart alongside D'Marco Jackson as competition for that spot. The Saints are back in action on Friday morning with a practice at the Superdome, followed by a preseason opener against the Chargers on Sunday.
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