Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith still has two years left on his rookie contract, but the star defender is right to think he’s due for a significant pay increase in his second deal. For now, he’s not worried about a timetable, especially with new contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott and wide receiver Amari Cooper all on the table.
“When it’s time for Jerry to cut the check, it will happen,” Smith said. “I just have to embrace where I’m at. I’m blessed for sure.”
Jaylon Smith on contract: Jerry will cut the check when time's right https://t.co/AiZrEJZsmu
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 8, 2019
Smith was a steal for the Cowboys in the 2017 NFL Draft. A knee injury knocked him from the first round and the nabbed him with the No. 34 overall pick in the second. While Dallas got a star player at a cheaper rate because of the draft slide, Smith will get the last laugh. Because he wasn’t picked in the first round, the Cowboys have no fifth-year option. They have to deal with him ASAP to keep him.
Last season Smith recorded 121 tackles, six for a loss, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one defensive touchdown and four sacks.
Bruschi improving after stroke
Former New England Patriots linebacker and current ESPN NFL analyst Tedy Bruschi announced via Instagram on Monday that he was recovering in the hospital and to thank fans for their thoughts, prayers and support.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzpxL6nlH1f/
It was the second stroke for the 46-year-old former player, the previous happened in 2005 while he was still with the Patriots.
Most of the NFL turned out for Jalen Thompson’s workout
Most of the time the NFL Supplemental Draft is an afterthought in the offseason, but not this year. Former Washington State safety Jalen Thompson had 26 of the 32 NFL teams show up for his workout in Los Angeles Monday.
Jalen Thompson works out for 26 teams ahead of the supplemental draft later this week https://t.co/f5Wy6ZoZsx
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 8, 2019
Thompson ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at the workout and posted a 33.6-inch vertical jump.
