Dallas Cowboys shockingly release former Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith
In a surprise move, the Dallas Cowboys released former Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith on Tuesday, sources said.
Smith, 26, led the team in tackles the past two seasons but was relegated to backup duties at middle linebacker this season following the emergence of rookie sensation Micah Parsons.
The team had some trade discussions with other teams but nothing materialized, according to a source.
The Cowboys still must pay Smith’s full 2021 salary of $7.2 million, a number that could be offset if he signs with another team.
A source called the release a team decision
Per a source, Smith is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for him in the NFL.
The Cowboys were likely going to cut Smith after the season, but considering that Smith’s $9.2 million 2022 salary is guaranteed for injury only, the team didn’t want to chance him getting injured and being on the hook for that amount.
Smith signed a five-year, $64 million extension in 2019 that included $35.5 million in guaranteed money.
Smith’s departure brings a successful comeback story to an end in Dallas. The Cowboys took Smith in the second round of the 2016 draft despite him suffering a tragic knee injury in his final game at Notre Dame.
There were serious questions about whether Smith would ever play again due to potential permanent nerve damage.
But the Cowboys took a chance on him because Dr. Daniel Cooper, one of their team physicians, performed the surgery and had inside knowledge of his prognosis.
Smith sat out the 2016 season, but the following year he started six of 16 games and finished with 99 tackles and one sack.
Smith started every game from 2018-20, recording at least 150 tackles each season. He also led the Cowboys in tackles the past two seasons and made the Pro Bowl after the 2019 season.
His role was reduced severely in 2020 due to questions about his speed and movement as well as the additions of Parsons and free-agent linebacker Keanu Neal.
Smith recorded 19 tackles and played in 148 snaps through the first four games this season.
The Cowboys will move forward at linebacker with Parsons, Neal, Leighton Vander Esch, rookie Jabril Cox and Luke Gifford.
On a side note, the move proved costly to Smith. He paid $500,000 to switch jersey numbers from “54” to “9” in the offseason.
This story was originally published October 5, 2021 at 8:17 PM.
