STWF| DALLAS, Texas | (Oct. 29, 2025) — The Dallas Renegades have added another major piece to their defensive core, officially announcing the signing of former NFL linebacker Brandon Smith, a 2022 fourth-round draft pick whose athletic ceiling and pro experience make him one of the most intriguing acquisitions of the UFL offseason.

Smith, 23, arrives in Arlington after four seasons navigating the NFL — a journey that included stops with the Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Las Vegas Raiders. While his NFL snaps were limited, his rare combination of size, range, and burst earned praise across scouting circles coming out of Penn State, and Dallas believes they may have found the next breakout star of spring football.

“My goal is to be the best version of myself every day and show who I am as a player,” Smith said. “I want to help this be the best defense — and the best team — in the league.”

A PROVEN ATHLETE WITH NFL PEDIGREE

Smith entered the league with enormous promise, selected 120th overall by Carolina in 2022. He appeared in 12 games as a rookie, totaling eight tackles and making his mark on special teams. After competing for roster spots with Philadelphia, New York, and Las Vegas, he now arrives in Dallas seeking stability — and opportunity.

Those who watched his Penn State tape remember a defender with elite speed, sideline-to-sideline pursuit, and fluid coverage ability. At 6-3 and nearly 240 pounds, Smith fits the modern linebacker mold built for the UFL’s spread offenses and fast-paced schemes.

At Penn State, Smith logged:

• 132 tackles

• 19 tackles for loss

• 4 sacks

• 1 interception and 6 pass breakups

He showed versatility, lining up inside, outside, and even occasionally as an edge rusher in defensive sub-packages — traits the Renegades staff has openly coveted this offseason.

A FIT FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP-LEVEL DEFENSE

Dallas already ranks among the UFL’s most physical and explosive defensive units. Smith now joins a linebacker room known for speed, pressure, and versatility. His signing signals more than depth — it signals intent.

This is a roster built to win now, and Smith has the chance to become one of the league’s most disruptive defenders.

“Representing Dallas means everything,” Smith said. “This city has a strong football culture. Every snap is a chance to show my heart, my drive, and what I bring to the game.”

BEYOND FOOTBALL: FAMILY, IMPACT & PURPOSE

While Smith’s physical tools draw headlines, his purpose off the field deserves equal attention. The linebacker has been outspoken about mental-health awareness and anti-bullying advocacy — a mission he strengthened with speaking engagements during his NFL years.

“I love spending time with my family, taking my kids to new places, and trying new restaurants with my wife,” Smith shared. “Outside football, I’m passionate about bringing awareness to anti-bullying and mental health. Our youth need support.”

When asked about his gameday hype music?

“Born Alone, Die Alone — Lloyd Banks.”

A grounded mindset, a hunger to prove himself, and a deep sense of purpose — the Renegades aren’t just adding a linebacker; they’re adding a leader.

WHAT COMES NEXT

With training camp ahead and expectations rising in Arlington, Brandon Smith enters the UFL as one of the most compelling reclamation stories to watch. If his athletic upside translates to consistent production, Dallas just landed one of the biggest steals of the spring football cycle.

For Smith, the opportunity is simple — and powerful:

“Every chance I’m on the field, I want to show who I am.”

And the Renegades believe the best version of Brandon Smith may be yet to come.

The Dallas Renegades kick off their 2025 UFL campaign this spring. Stay tuned for updated roster breakdowns, training-camp reports, and exclusive player features as the season approaches.