In 2019, linebacker Jaylon Smith signed a five-year, $64 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys that would have kept him with the NFL team until 2024. Smith was a Pro Bowler in 2019 and looked like he’d be a critical member of the team for many years to come, having started every game for Dallas between 2018 and 2020.
Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Cowboys have decided to release Smith in the middle of the season.
In-season surprise: Cowboys released LB Jaylon Smith, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2021
The move means that the Cowboys will have to pay his entire $7.2 million base salary for the season. However, by releasing Smith, the Cowboys are no longer on the hook for the $9.2 million salary that he would be owed in 2022.
Can confirm. 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 bc of ⬇️ https://t.co/2YkPjxS6Ij
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) October 6, 2021
The team had explored trade possibilities earlier in the season but were never able to put a deal together.
Smith had not started any games for Dallas this season, but he recorded 19 tackles and played in 148 of 264 snaps. However, since the Cowboys have faith in first-round pick Micah Parsons, Leighton Vander Esch, and Keanu Neal, as well as Jabril Cox and Luke Gifford on the roster, they felt that it made better financial sense to let Smith loose now.
i will always remember you Jaylon Smith
— Slightly Biased (@BiasedSlightly) October 6, 2021
