Dallas Cowboys can get some cap relief on Jaylon Smith

The Dallas Cowboys released 2016 second-round linebacker pick, Jaylon Smith, on Tuesday evening. Though the move was meant to save the Cowboys major cap space in the future, they can also save a bit now.

It all depends on if and when Smith signs with another team. The offset language in his contract allows the Cowboys to deduct the sum of his new deal from what they owe him this season. Jerry Jones and the team still owe the former Notre Dame star $5.6M for the remainder of this season, according to Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac.

If Smith signs with a new team by Week 6, it will likely be to the NFL’s one-year minimum. If so, the Cowboys will save roughly $715,000.

Smith’s contract still has five years and $50.75 million until its completion. His contract was among the team’s 10 largest deals. By releasing the Pro Bowl linebacker, the Cowboys gain $16.6 million in dead cap spending.

Cowboys surprise with release of Jaylon Smith

The Cowboys managed to surprise even NFL insider Adam Schefter on Tuesday.

“In-season surprise: Cowboys released linebacker Jaylon Smith, per source,” explained Schefter in a post made on Twitter.

The move by Dallas was surprising given the nature of Smith’s contract and how successful the Cowboys have been through the first four weeks of the season. Smith’s role in the defense was reduced this season, but he played over 75 percent of snaps for the Cowboys in two games. In week 2, Smith contributed nine total tackles, including six solo.

As Smith was entering his fifth year in the NFL, he is eligible to sign with another team immediately and does not need to go through the waiver wire.

Following the stunning news that the Dallas Cowboys were releasing linebacker Jaylon Smith, NFL Network’s Jane Slater offered insight as to why.

“Can confirm,” Slater said. “My sources tell me the Cowboys tried unsuccessfully to trade Jaylon Smith. ‘He did everything we asked him to’ but ultimately the play of guys like Keanu Neal, Leighton Vander Esch and I’m told perhaps increased use now of Jabril Cox led to the move.”

Smith’s time is up in Dallas

The Cowboys drafted Jaylon Smith with the 34th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. He has been a key member of the Dallas defense over the previous three seasons. From 2018 to 2020, Smith played over 92 percent of all defensive snaps for the Cowboys.

Smith has two interceptions and six forced fumbles in his time with the Cowboys, including a defensive touchdown. He made the Pro Bowl in 2019 and the NFL Top 100 list twice, in 2019 and 2020.

On3’s Tim Verghese also contributed to this report.