Jaylon Smith addresses Cowboys release, silences doubter with Packers

Jaylon Smith is attempting to make himself right at home with the Green Bay Packers. Earlier this week, in a move that shocked many in the NFL world, he was released by the Dallas Cowboys. Now he is trying to put his time in Dallas behind home and prepare for this Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

At Friday’s press conference Smith spoke to the media for the first since becoming a Packer. And the reporters there did not waste any time getting down to business, trying to understand exactly what happened in Dallas that led to this departure.

“Nothing other than business,” he said. “It’s the National Football League. I’m just blessed and thankful to be able to play at the place I wanted to play, and that’s with the Green Bay Packers.”

Smith did not spend too much time on the reasoning behind the Cowboys’ actions. Rather he focused on his excitement to be a part of the Packers organization. He echoed the statements of Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy calling it a just business. Smith reiterated a statement he made earlier when he with over the reason why he signed with Green Bay.

“I wanted to be in Green Bay, it’s simple is that,” Smith said. “It’s a historic franchise. I love everything and what everyone is about. And 12 (Aaron Rodgers) is amazing. I get to add more value to the defense. It’s a blessing and an honor.”

As he continued on he addressed comments about whether or not the one-time Pro Bowler lost a step.

“I believe every player has their doubters,” he added. “But for me, everything I’ve done up to this point has been legit. I know what kind of player I am. Guys know what kind of player I am. Coaches know. I’m a team guy. I’m a guy that’s going to add value.”

Some in the media believe that Smith’s lack of play and ultimately his release from Dallas was because he’s no longer the dominant linebacker he once was. Although there were times last year where Smith looked lost on defense he wasn’t the only one. The Cowboys as a whole had one of the worse defenses last year.

Dallas had the 28th ranked defense last year. And in spite of all their struggles, Smith still had a career-best in tackles. He finished with 154 total, 89 solo, and 65 assisted tackles, all of which were tops in his career.

Smith may have lost his starting spot in Dallas, but with Green Bay, he has a chance to prove that the Cowboys made a mistake. He will get his first chance this Sunday as the Packers take on the 3-1 Cincinnati Bengals.