NFL | COWBOYS
Dallas Cowboys release LB Jaylon Smith
Jaylon Smith has been released by the Dallas Cowboys after the team proved unable to strike a deal to trade him away.
The Dallas Cowboys have released linebacker Jaylon Smith.
Smith, a second-round pick in 2016 after torn knee ligaments suffered in his final collegiate appearance for Notre Dame damaged his draft stock, has never missed a game in his pro career and had signed a five-year, $64million contract extension in 2019.
Former Pro Bowler Smith was the subject of trade discussions that ultimately came to nothing, with Dallas confirming his release on their official website.
He was fully guaranteed his $7.2m salary for 2021, meaning the timing of the move raises eyebrows, but cutting him now does mean the Cowboys will not be liable for his 2022 money, which was guaranteed for injury.
No starts for Smith this season
Smith had not started any of Dallas' first four games in the 2021 season but had played some part each week of their 3-1 start.
The future of the team's linebacker corps was subject of much speculation after they drafted Micah Parsons in the first round this year when Smith and Leighton Vander Esch were already on the roster and Keanu Neal had been signed in free agency.
Parsons has made an impressive start, while fourth-round selection Jabril Cox is also vying for snaps at the position, both factors that reportedly played a part in the decision.
Without Smith, the Cowboys are at home as they face NFC East rivals the New York Giants on Sunday.