Report: Cowboys reveal reason behind for cutting Jaylon Smith

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

“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..”

The news of Smith’s release came as a shock, due to his contract. The Cowboys re-signed Smith to a five-year, $64 million extension in August 2019. Jaylon Smith is owed $7.2 million for the rest of the 2021 season, and had $50.75 million left on his deal.

The move will not save the Cowboys any money in this season, but it does free up about five million in cap space for the 2022 season.

The Notre Dame product was regarded as a a potential top-ten pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, but in his final game at Notre Dame, Smith suffered a devastating injury against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl that required surgery to reconstruct his anterior cruciate ligament and the knee’s lateral structures. Prior to the injury, he had never previously missed a game or a practice.

Jaylon Smith was drafted by the Cowboys with the 34th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, fully understanding that he would miss his entire rookie season. Smith returned to the field in 2017, and though he has been a starter, and even captain, for the Cowboys in his career, he has never been able to return to the level of play he displayed at Notre Dame.

In his career, Smith has been a key member for the Cowboys defense since 2017. Jaylon Smith recorded 516 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles and two interceptions. Smith was a Pro Bowl selection in 2019.

Smith’s role in the defense has been 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.

Dallas turns to linebackers Keanu Neal, Leighton Vander Esch and rookie Jabril Cox at the linebacker position. The Cowboys also drafted Micah Parsons in the 2021 NFL Draft, who has rotated between edge rusher and linebacker out of necessity for the Cowboys. The longterm expectation is that Parsons plays linebacker for Dallas.