Despite owing him $7.2 million, Cowboys cut Jaylon Smith

The Dallas Cowboys made a surprising move on Tuesday regarding their defense.

Dallas cut linebacker Jaylon Smith even though it owed him $7.2 million.

The 26-year-old was a second-round pick by the Cowboys in 2016, but he missed that season due to an injury he suffered in Notre Dame’s bowl game. He has not missed a game since beginning to play in the 2017 season and made the Pro Bowl in 2019. Smith had 18 tackles in four games this season.

Dallas signed Smith to a six-year, $68.4 million contract before the 2019 season. He still has five years left on his contract and will count for $16.6 million in dead cap money.