Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith signs five year contract extension

Jaylon Smith
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Linebacker Jaylon Smith has been a standout in his three seasons with the Cowboys and the team rewarded him with a new deal.

On Tuesday ESPN reported that Smith signed a five-year, $64 million contract with Dallas, including $35.50 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $12.8 million.

The 24-year-old was drafted in the second round by the Cowboys in 2016. Smith had suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his final collegiate appearance and spent the entire 2016 season on injured reserve. He would make his debut for the team in the team's 2017 season opener against the Giants. Since that time Smith has played in 32 games, starting 22.

In his three year NFL career, Smith has amassed 202 tackles, five sacks, four forced fumbles, six passes defended and one defensive touchdown.

With Smith's long-term deal now complete the Cowboys can return their focus to working out deals with quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekeil Elliott and wide receiver Amari Cooper.