While free agency officially begins in March, roster turnover isn't too far away. The Cowboys will indeed add and presumably release players, along with letting some go without a new contract.
However, the majority of the 2018 roster is already in place. In the coming weeks, the staff of DallasCowboys.com will preview those players, analyzing where they've been and where they're going.
Today, we'll continue the series with linebacker Jaylon Smith.
Views of #54 Linebacker Jaylon Smith from the 2017-18 Regular Season.
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) stretches prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 19-3. (Ryan Kang via AP)
10 September 2017: Jaylon Smith (54) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 19-3. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs the football from Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 19-3. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) takes a sip from a cup as he talks with teammates on the sideline during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) celebrates a defensive stop against the New York Giants in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
10 September 2017: Michele Tafoya of NBC Sports talks with Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL regular season football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017 in Denver. The Broncos won, 42-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)
17 September 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) makes a jarring tackle during an NFL football game against Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017 in Denver, Colo. The Broncos won the game, 42-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) is hit by Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38), outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) and defensive end Charles Tapper (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos offensive tackle Menelik Watson (75) hugs Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL regular season football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017 in Denver. The Broncos won, 42-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) looks on prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Dallas won 28-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Dallas won 28-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) in action during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cowboys defeated the Cardinals, 28-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
25 September 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) and linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) line up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Dallas won 28-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Dallas won 28-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Dallas won 28-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs the football during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cowboys defeated the Cardinals, 28-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
25 September 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
01 October 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
01 October 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) defends as Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (89) gains yardage carrying the ball during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys' Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
DAL vs GB
DAL vs GB
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) attempts to escape a tackle by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
08 October 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) rushes against the Green Bay Packers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
DAL vs GB
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. The Cowboys recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) fumbles as he is hit by Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. The Cowboys recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) during an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (Tom Hauck via AP)
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (Tom Hauck via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) celebrates with linebacker Anthony Hitchens (59) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. (NFL Photos via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) celebrates during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. (NFL Photos via AP)
22 October 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster (left) and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) sign their jerseys for a swap following an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Santa Clara, Calif. (NFL Photos via AP)
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (Tom Hauck via AP)
29 October 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL Vs KC
DAL Vs KC
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL regular season football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won, 28-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)
DAL Vs KC
DAL Vs KC
05 November 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 9 regular season game 28-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys
05 November 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 9 regular season game 28-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys
05 November 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 9 regular season game 28-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL Vs KC
Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Terrance Smith (48) and Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL regular season football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won, 28-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)
DAL Vs ATL Departure
12 November 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL Vs ATL
DAL Vs ATL
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) runs in coverage during a week 10 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 27-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) runs in coverage during a week 10 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 27-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) leaps over the pile against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game, Sunday, November 12, 2017, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 27-7. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
DAL Vs ATL
19 November 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL vs LAC
DAL vs LAC
23 November 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) is pursued by Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during an NFL football game in Arlington, Tex. on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017. The Chargers defeated the Cowboys 28-6. (Kirby Lee via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) in coverage during a week 12 NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Los Angeles won 28-6. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
DAL vs LAC
30 November 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) is seen during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins, 38-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) in coverage during a week 13 NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
30 November 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) in coverage during a week 13 NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) looks on during a week 13 NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) looks on during a week 13 NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
30 November 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 December 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
10 December 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) and running back Rod Smith (45) celebrate after Rod Smith scored a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys won 30-10.(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
16 December 2017: Jaylon Smith
of the Dallas Cowboys during their departure to the game with the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) lines up on the line of scrimmage during a week 15 NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Oakland, Calif. Dallas won 20-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
17 December 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
24 December 2017: Jaylon Smith (54) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
31 December 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 17 regular season 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) steps up to tackle Philadelphia Eagles running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during a 2017 NFL week 17 regular season game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017 in Philadelphia. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles, 6-0. (James D. Smith via AP)
31 December 2017: Jaylon Smith (54)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 17 regular season 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
What's Been Good:
In his first NFL season on the field, Smith had 99 tackles, one of the highest single-season totals by a first-year player in franchise history. While Smith wasn't officially listed as a rookie, he did go through the on-field experiences for the first time. For the most part, he handled it all as well as could be expected, considering the knee injury he suffered in college. Smith had six games of at least nine tackles, including a career-high 14 in his first-ever road game, a Week 2 loss at Denver.
What's Been Bad:
It's not unusual for first-year players to hit that "rookie wall" and that's what seemed to happen with Smith, who had 63 tackles in his first six games. However, in the final 10, Smith only recorded 36. In the last five games of the year, Smith totaled just five tackles.
2017 Highlight:
There were games in which Smith recorded more tackles, but the San Francisco game was one in which the linebacker seemed to be all over the field. Maybe it was the fact that he was playing with both Anthony Hitchens and Sean Lee for the first time, but Smith had his only sack of the season, along with his only forced fumble, to go along with seven tackles.
What's Next:
The Cowboys have been more than patient with Smith in this rehab process and they have to be excited with what they saw in his first season. Like with all players, a natural progression is expected, both physically and mentally, as he continues to establish himself as one of the Cowboys' top linebackers. What happens with Anthony Hitchens and his contract situation could ultimately affect Smith, especially if he's asked to do more in nickel situations. But overall, the Cowboys are confident Smith will continue to develop and become the dynamic player they hoped for when they drafted him in the second round of the 2016 season.
- There are times in scouting where you're completely wrong about a player.
- The information you have or your gut tells you that the situation is not right.
- I will be the first to admit that I missed on Jaylon Smith coming into the 2016 NFL Draft.
- Not only did I miss on the diagnoses, but also the desire of the player to once again play the game after a terrible injury.
- I honestly wanted nothing to do with Smith, and I was proven wrong.
- Dr. Dan Cooper did a wonderful job giving him a chance to ever compete again, while Britt Brown worked tirelessly with Smith to put a plan together in order to get him back on the field.
- The biggest factor in Smith's return was his own desire to make it back, which I didn't factor in.
- For Smith, it was a battle of countless days, but he did return. His play initially was rough and sporadic, but it did improve.
- The more comfortable he became, the thoughts of his injury subsided.
- Word from those that would know say that 2018 should be even better on the field for Smith.
- Improvement in mobility should allow him to once again work closer to becoming the player he once was at Notre Dame.
- Jaylon Smith should be the starter at middle linebacker this upcoming season, which is a far cry from what I ever believed he'd become.
