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FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys are 3-1 but are still shaking their roster.
releasing linebacker Jaylon Smith in what could be seen as a cost-cutting measure due to guaranteed pay next season in the event of an injury.
Smith’s role had been reduced after Micah Parsons was drafted 12th overall this year and the Cowboys moved pickup from free agent Keanu Neal to safety linebacker. However, the movement, which cannot become official until Wednesday, was seen as a surprise by some.
ESPN.com reported that Smith played in 148 of 264 snaps this season. Smith signed a five-year extension of $ 64 million ahead of the 2019 season. About $ 34 million of that contract has been guaranteed.
The move won’t save the Cowboys money on Smith’s $ 9.8 million salary cap this year, but protects them from guaranteeing his $ 9.2 million salary for 2022 if he gets injured .
The team said on its website that Smith’s swap attempts had failed.
Dallas drafted Smith in the second round in 2016 knowing he would not play as a rookie due to a major left knee injury suffered in his last game with Notre Dame at the Fiesta Bowl.
After a checkered start in 2017, Smith had his best season of 2018 with 150 tackles and career records of four sacks and 13 presses from the quarterback. It was the only one of his full four seasons when the Cowboys reached the playoffs.
Even with Neal out for a second straight game due to COVID-19 protocols Sunday against Carolina, Smith only played 28 snaps. Neal is expected to return from the COVID-19 reserve list this week against the New York Giants.
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