The New Orleans Saints made a smart addition this week by signing Jaylon Smith, but where does the 2019 Pro Bowler fit into their linebacker corps? Odds are good that the Saints will continue to deploy two linebackers in their nickel and dime personnel packages, which has been the most-common look for them in recent years — meaning few snaps will be available for Smith behind Demario Davis and Pete Werner when everyone is healthy.
But there’s a path to success for him as the third linebacker on the depth chart. We’ve seen veterans make the most of those opportunities before, like Manti Te’o, Kiko Alonso, and Craig Robertson. So long as Smith is ready to play when the team calls his number, he should be a positive asset for them.
With that said, here’s what the linebacker corps looks like after adding Smith to the mix; players returning from last year’s 53-man roster are highlighted in bold text.