Of all the possible Dallas Cowboys contract extensions that could be coming before the regular season starts, linebacker Jaylon Smith seemed like the last man in the queue. Apparently the team didn’t feel that way, announcing that Smith had agreed to a long-term contract, with the details to be released during a press conference Tuesday evening.
The #Cowboys have reached a long-term extension with LB Jaylon Smith, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 20, 2019
Like wide receiver Amari Cooper and quarterback Dak Prescott, Smith was heading into the final year of his rookie contract, due to make $2.07 million this season.
Smith appeared to be the odd man out in Dallas’ contract quandaries. The Cowboys need to find money for Prescott, Cooper and running back Ezekiel Elliott, currently in the midst of a hold out. Owner Jerry Jones has made it clear he plans to get all three under contract before the regular season begins, so this deal must somehow fit into those possible deals. Smith is an invaluable player, but not nearly as important to the team’s future success as Elliott, Prescott and Cooper.
Smith was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. He missed all of that season while recovering from a college knee injury. He started six games in 2017 and took over full time in 2018, recording 121 tackles, six for a loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one defensive touchdown and five passes defended.
If the Cowboys can make it all work, he was definitely a guy they needed to keep.
Antonio Brown practices with a league-approved helmet
I hope you are sitting down. Yes, the saga of Antonio Brown took an unexpected turn Tuesday when the man actually showed up to Oakland Raiders practice and worked, even wearing the appropriate headgear.
“It’s a certified helmet, so he’s all in and ready to go,” head coach Jon Gruden told reporters. “That’s my understanding. I’m happy to have him out here. He’s a great player.”
Antonio Brown practiced today – with a certified helmet, per Jon Gruden.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 20, 2019
The helmet saga isn’t yet over for Brown, even though he’s taken the practice field. Late Monday he filed another grievance against the NFL to try to gut his old helmet cleared.
