Report: Dallas Cowboys still mulling alternate option on Jaylon Smith

The Dallas Cowboys are still mulling potential options for linebacker Jaylon Smith after initial reports that he would be released from the team on Wednesday. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo further explained the news of Smith’s release by claiming the Cowboys still had the option for a trade instead of simply releasing him.

Dallas Cowboys weighing Jaylon Smith options

Garafolo detailed the efforts that the Cowboys had made while attempting to shed Smith and his contract, starting with trade options.

“A trade isn’t likely because the Cowboys have already explored that option, sources say, and he has the balance of his $7.2 million base salary for this season plus $9.2 million in injury guarantees next year. The latter part is a huge reason the team is moving on right now.”

Despite the report that Smith would be released, until his release is official there could be a team that reaches out for a potential trade. Garafolo’s explanation indicates that Smith’s release is simply a matter of the Cowboys being ready to move on from him.

If they keep Smith and continue to use him, a potential injury would force the Cowboys to pay his injury guarantee money. By releasing him now and eating the dead cap hit, they avoid that potential outcome.

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 in 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.

Cowboys reason for releasing Smith

Following the stunning news that the Cowboys were releasing 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.”

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.

On3’s Tim Verghese contributed to this article.