The Dallas Cowboys made a surprising decision to release linebacker Jaylon Smith. No one saw this coming.
Smith’s contract has an out after the 2022 season, so there was a chance the Cowboys would deal him or agree to a new deal before the offseason. Yet, no one saw this coming.
The Notre Dame product has received plenty of ire from the Cowboys fanbase the last few years, but has played far better this season under the leadership of Dan Quinn. Such has been the case with most of the Cowboys’ defense, which while still in need of some serious tweaking, is far better than they were in 202o under Mike Nolan.
Nonetheless, the Cowboys opted to cut Smith now, prior to Week 5.
Cowboys: Why would Dallas cut Jaylon Smith?
The Cowboys official website raved about the adjustments Smith has made so far this season.
“Smith has certainly taken his game up a notch this season. He is displaying more effort running to the ball on the field, and he has become a more disruptive force against the run and pass. The veteran’s improved performance has played a role in the defense’s ability to hold its own in some battles against top offenses (see Chargers and Buccaneers).”
That’s not nothing.
The Cowboys still owe Smith $7.2 million on the season, leading many (myself) to wonder why Jerry Jones would pull the plug now. If they were truly unhappy with his play, or locker room presence, surely they could have just relegated him to the bench or punished Smith internally.
Instead, they’re making a linebacker with a ton of potential available right before the trade deadline. Surely, some general manager is licking their chops right now.