The Cowboys are moving on from Jaylon Smith.
The Dallas Cowboys are beginning preparations for their Week 5 game against the New York Giants and look to be getting some reinforcements back soon. Carlos Watkins, Ty Nsekhe, and Keanu Neal all look to be returning for the Cowboys come Sunday afternoon and the latter is one that many have been excited about.
Keanu Neal has been on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and therefore hasn’t had a chance to really shine at linebacker this season. With rookie Micah Parsons playing a lot of defensive end the Cowboys have been forced to rely on the likes of Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith.
We are here because of the latter. The Dallas Cowboys have released Jaylon Smith.
In-season surprise: Cowboys released LB Jaylon Smith, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2021
This move definitely comes as a surprise to a lot of Dallas Cowboys fans as it happens mid-season. The team insisted all offseason long that they had no plans to move on from Smith and his $9.2M salary they let become guaranteed for this season over the offseason.
Dallas must feel like Keanu Neal presents a lot of value for them and like they are in a position where they can finally move on from Smith. A second-round pick in 2016, he had a great 2018 season but struggled to regain that form since.
All the best to Jaylon Smith.