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Packers to release former Pro-Bowl linebacker

photos -jpgby: Ashton Pollard11/02/21ashtonpollard7
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John Fisher/Getty Images

Linebacker Jaylon Smith’s stay in Green Bay was short-lived.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the longtime Dallas Cowboys pass rusher, who signed with the Packers less than a month ago, is being released. He had previously signed a one-year, $770,000 contract with the Packers on Oct. 7.

Smith saw action in just two games in Green Bay and recorded one tackle. He played in four games for the Cowboys earlier this season with 18 tackles.

He was released from Dallas as they attempt to rebuild their defense with young stars, including first-round draft selection Micah Parsons. Smith started 16 games in Dallas in 2020.

Smith, 26, chose Green Bay in part because of his relationship with head coach Matt LaFleur. LaFleur was the quarterbacks coach at Notre Dame in 2014 while Smith was in South Bend.

Smith recorded 292 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception in 39 games for the Irish. He was a second-round draft pick in 2016 by Dallas. Smith was a likely first-round selection until he tore his ACL and MCL in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl.

Packers defense in good shape near halfway point of season

Led by linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, the Packers defense is playing relatively well during the seven-game win streak. Through just eight games this season, Campbell has 76 tackles. He posted 99 in 16 games last year with the Arizona Cardinals.

The Packers are currently seventh in the NFL in yards allowed per game (331.8) and ninth in points allowed per contest (20.9)

The core issue with the Green Bay defense this season has been its inability to stop teams in the red zone. Through six games, they allowed their opponents to score on 100% of their trips inside the 20 yard line.

In Week 7, the Packers stopped the Washington Football Team on every possession they had in the end zone. On Thursday, Green Bay held the high-powered Cardinals offense to just 21 points and forced three turnovers. The final interception sealed the win for the Packers.

The Packers head to Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday to face the error-prone Kansas City Chiefs. The spread is currently even for the 3:25 p.m. CT kick off on Fox.