Jaylon Smith had a rocky tenure with the Dallas Cowboys.
He missed his rookie season after recovering from ACL and LCL injuries he acquired during the Fiesta Bowl for Notre Dame.
But he did bounce back and play in 68 consecutive games for the Cowboys.
Smith had at least 120 total tackles from 2018 to 2020 while adding 13 quarterback hits during that span.
“Why did the Cowboys release Jaylon Smith?” pic.twitter.com/TWiXYpRIGJ
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) October 6, 2021
The Cowboys rewarded his exceptional play with a five-year, $64 million extension in 2019 and he became team captain.
In 2019, Smith played all 16 games for Dallas and finished the season with 142 tackles, nine passes defended, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
His 2020 stats were roughly the same as those above, but it was in 2021 that his defensive struggles came out.
He lost some speed which made him a liability in coverage, especially against the run.
Jaylon Smith after giving up a 20 yard reception but getting the tackle pic.twitter.com/HMLusjsmkn
— Dee (@Deee909) October 6, 2021
This season, Smith also allowed nine of his 10 targets to be completions for 86 yards.
Dallas had to let go of him because his salary did not match his production anymore.
The Cowboys will still pay for what’s left from his $7.2 million base salary this season.
Releasing him now reduced his cap hit for 2022 from $11.8 million to $6.8 million.
Likewise, Smith won’t be sidelined for long because he will be joining the Green Bay Packers on a one-year deal.
Packers agree to terms with LB Jaylon Smith. (via @RapSheet + @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/FWqXYy9mhk
— NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2021
His new team desperately needs Smith’s services because Za’Darius Smith will miss multiple games due to back surgery.
Jaylon Smith may end up starting for Green Bay alongside De’Vondre Campbell.
Meanwhile, here are the Cowboys who will elevate their game after his transfer.
3. Keanu Neal
Keanu Neal signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys after spending five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.
He was part of the 2016 All-Rookie Team by the Pro Football Writers Association and made the 2017 Pro Bowl.
Neal had 100 tackles, two passes defended, an interception, and one sack in his final year with the Falcons.
"All systems are a go for Keanu Neal and Bradlee Anae."
– Mike McCarthy
No new additions to COVID list for #Cowboys on Thursday
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) October 7, 2021
The 26-year-old linebacker is ready to return to action this season after being on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Cowboys see him as a more viable option at the position that Smith vacated.
2. Jabril Cox
His progression during the offseason is arguably the main reason for Smith’s departure.
Jabril Cox had an impressive preseason, and the Cowboys didn’t want to hinder his progress by retaining Smith.
Jabril Cox to the moon.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) October 6, 2021
The three-time FCS champion with North Dakota State went to the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Through four games, the two-time FCS All-American had most of his snaps at special teams.
He did have four snaps on defense and one on offense.
1. Micah Parsons
One thing’s for sure: Micah Parsons is not afraid of any challenge.
He’s not afraid to fill the void DeMarcus Lawrence left due to injury, and he did a decent job at the defensive end.
Stop asking my football position, now I just play football!
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) October 5, 2021
Likewise, he’s not afraid to call out analysts like Emmanuel Acho about what he thinks is the wrong analysis.
Regardless of his take, Parsons will eventually return to linebacker duties wherein he will have a more prominent role after Smith’s departure.
The Cowboys are also looking at Leighton Vander Esch to step up, but making the Dallas defense better weighs heavier on the former Penn State standout.
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