The Dallas Cowboys have been flying high this season, jumping out to a 3-1 record through the first month of the season. All appeared well how, despite several warts on defense, the club was turning in outstanding performances. Well it appears the club and the front office isn’t afraid to rock the boat from a promising start, or rather they are willing to claim addition by subtraction.
As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and since confirmed by several outlets, the Cowboys have released linebacker Jaylon Smith.
In-season surprise: Cowboys released LB Jaylon Smith, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2021
Smith, a 2016 second-round pick, has played a lesser role in this season after leading the team in tackles the last two years. After the club drafted Micah Parsons in the first round and then double-dipped with Jabril Cox in the fourth round, the changeover at the linebacker position was well underway. Those moves followed the signing of free agent Keanu Neal, a former safety with new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
Smith has seen his snap counts decrease and on Sunday he played just 40% of defensive snaps (28). Smith has just 18 tackles in four games after averaging just under 10 a game in 2020. Under Quinn, the Cowboys have liked to run with multiple safeties to combat opponent’s passing games, and Smith’s ability to cover and pursue has worsened each season since his peak in 2018.
Dallas has played without Neal the last two games due to a positive COVID result. He is expected to return to the lineup this week against the New York Giants to join Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch in the rotation. The team hasn’t played Cox much this season, but with Smith’s release that could open the door for more playing time for the LSU rookie.
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