While most of the NFL was asleep, the Pittsburgh Steelers were working the phones.

In light of some recent attrition at the LB position, Pittsburgh desperately needed some help at the second level of their defense.

And after a couple of spots opened up on the practice squad, the Steelers swooped in and filled one of them with a former Pro Bowler:

Jaylon Smith to Steelers Practice Squad
Per his agent, former Pro Bowl LB Jaylon Smith will be joining the Steelers practice squad.

With Elandon Roberts out for at least this week, the move sures up depth at the inside LB position, while adding veteran experience to a room that is either young or largely devoid of talent as Pittsburgh has now lost their top three backers.

Congrats @thejaylonsmith for signing with the @steelers

— Doug Hendrickson (@DHendrickson41) December 27, 2023

Smith may not be what he once was compared to his time at Notre Dame, or even his Pro Bowl season in Dallas, but at only 28 and likely in good shape, he is the best your going to find at this time of the year and an easy decision to add to a practice squad.

Smith most recently spent time with the Saints and Raiders, playing in one game this season before being released by Vegas ahead of Thanksgiving.

Smith has recorded 626 tackles, 11 sacks, six forced fumbles and two interceptions across 69 career starts.