Much to fans' chagrin, the Dallas Cowboys have a propensity to hold on to players for too long. Former stars like Ezekiel Elliott and Michael Gallup stand out in that regard.
Did both players deserve extensions? No doubt, but both deals seemed like overpays and predictably did not age well and hindered the team's spending flexibility for years.
Perhaps the most extreme example is ex-linebacker Jaylon Smith, who became a detrimental player by the end of his tenure. He's had a rough couple of years in the NFL since being released by Dallas, but he may have a permanent home with the Raiders amid his dominant start to OTAs.
Former Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith is setting Raiders OTAs on fire
If you can believe it, Smith notched the first interception of Raiders OTAs, per team reporter Levi Edwards. That is the best-possible start for the 29-year-old, who signed with Las Vegas following a tryout during rookie minicamp.
First interception of the day comes from former Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith.#Raiders
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) May 29, 2025
Fortunately for Smith, the Raiders are searching for answers at linebacker. They did not re-sign breakout star Robert Spillane, who left for the Patriots as a free agent.
They did, however, manage to sign vet Elandon Roberts, whose 90.4 run-defense grade last year ranked fifth amongst linebackers.
Read more: It's only OTAs but new Cowboys signing is getting surprising first-team reps
While a strong pickup, Las Vegas followed it by signing former first-round pick Devin White, who, to be frank, is a major liability. Not even the Eagles were able to get anything out of White after they signed him last offseason.
Smith has a realistic path to make the 53-man roster. He last played one game with the Raiders in 2023, so this marks his second stint with the team. He did not play at all last season.
It has been three years since Smith last played more than 10 games in a season (2022 with the Giants). He started 11 games that year, compiling 88 tackles, three tackles for loss and 31 defensive stops, per PFF.
Smith enjoyed some high high's with the Cowboys. It was risky business taking him in the second round in 2017 after his knee exploded in his final game at Notre Dame, but he rewarded Dallas with a fantastic second season.
Smith made the Pro Bowl in 2018, but that is when his game started to deteriorate. Ever lacking self awareness, that is when the front office gave him a five-year, $63.75 million extension. He was released in early October during the 2021 campaign.
While Smith and the Cowboys had a messy divorce, it would be pretty cool to see him have a renaissance with the Raiders. His career potentially depends on it.