Cowboys sign Jaylon Smith to 4-year deal

The Dallas Cowboys announced Friday the signing of second-round pick Jaylon Smith to a four-year rookie contract.

The Cowboys surprised many when they selected the Notre Dame linebacking product with the 34th overall pick in the draft. Once considered a likely top-five pick, Smith's draft stock fell after he suffered a major knee injury in his final game for the Fighting Irish.

Questions remain about when he'll make his debut for the Cowboys, with multiple reports suggesting he could miss the entire 2016 season to rehabilitate his knee.

The Cowboys were well aware of Smith's prognosis when they drafted him, with their head physician having performed the surgery to repair Smith's torn knee ligaments.

Dallas also announced that sixth-round tight end Rico Gathers signed his rookie deal.