Report: Dallas Cowboys release Pro Bowler in surprise move

The Dallas Cowboys have released a Pro Bowl linebacker on Tuesday, in a surprising move reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Linebacker Jaylon Smith was released from the team, despite the Cowboys still owing him $7.2 million in cash on his contract this year.

Dallas Cowboys’ surprise release

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

The news comes as a shock due to the amount of money still owed to Smith on his contract. Smith’s contract still has five years and $50.75 million left on his deal. By releasing Smith, the Cowboys gain $16.6 million in dead cap spending.

In the current 2021 season, this amount is $9.8 million, $7.2 million of which is cash. In 2022, the dead cap hit will be $6.8 million.

The move will save the Cowboys nothing this season, but it does free up about $5 million in cap space for the 2022 season.

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 has been reduced this season, but he has 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.

Jaylon Smith in Dallas

Smith was drafted by the Cowboys with the 34th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft and 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 was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019 and has been named to the NFL Top 100 list twice in 2019 and 2020.