Veteran linebacker Jaylon Smith is excited to "add value" to the Pittsburgh Steelers defense after signing to their practice squad.
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00:00 >> I got in last night, had a great Christmas back in Dallas and
00:04 I got the call and I'm just happy to be here, absolutely.
00:09 >> What do you think the role is gonna be?
00:12 >> I don't know what the role is gonna be.
00:14 What I'm gonna do is make sure I'm ready for whatever.
00:17 I'm a guy that's got experience and
00:21 I know I can still add a lot of value to a team.
00:24 And being here in Pittsburgh, I understand the steel curtain tradition and
00:29 for me it's just about giving it all I got, applying pressure and
00:34 really just adding value, so I'm excited to be here.
00:38 >> What didn't work with Raiders this year?
00:39 >> I think it just came down to opportunity.
00:43 The love with those guys got going with AP as an interim head coach.
00:49 Like I said, I'm just thankful to be here and I still got a lot left in the tank.
00:55 >> As an experienced guy, how quickly do you think you can adapt,
00:59 kinda learn the defense, get ready to roll?
01:02 >> I've done it before, multiple times in my career.
01:05 I've gotten assigned to the team on a Friday and play 48 hours later.
01:11 I've gotten in on a Thursday and started on a Sunday.
01:15 So for me, it's just about getting here, getting around the guys,
01:19 understanding the chemistry, understanding what we're trying to do and
01:23 achieve, and get the playbook down from there.
01:26 I know what I can do on the field.
01:28 >> What kind of relationship do you have with Mike Tomlin?
01:30 I mean, did you talk with him coming out in the draft process or
01:33 anything before this?
01:35 >> Yes, yes, great relationship.
01:37 Tomlin's a guy that any player wants to play for.
01:41 It's just a matter of grace and opportunity.
01:44 Me coming out of college was gonna be a top three pick and
01:47 got hurt in the last game, so a lot of guys thought I'd never play again.
01:51 But I'm happy to be in year eight and still striving for greatness.
01:57 So I'm just thankful for this opportunity, for sure, whatever the role is.
02:00 >> You up to speed physically, Jim?
02:02 >> Absolutely, hey, I'm ready to go.