Last night we heard the semi-stunning news that Linebacker Jaylon Smith was released. Even with his reduced role in 2021, Jaylon still had a big name and that led to plenty of reaction on Twitter from Cowboys fans, media personalities, and even a few former players.
Here’s a collection of some of the best:
I did not see that coming at all!!! Wow!!!
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) October 6, 2021
https://twitter.com/AntwaunWoods_/status/1445580045263667201
One source on some of Cowboys players reactions to Jaylon Smith release: “They are all shocked.”
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) October 6, 2021
No matter what yall think about his play and celebrations, Jaylon Smith is a good dude who overcame a lot of odds and doubts that he would ever play again. Helped a lot of minority businesses get financial assistance. He is a good businessman and will be successful
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) October 6, 2021
“Will the Jaylon Smith release destroy/upset #Cowboys locker room chemistry?”
There are vets who won’t take pleasure in seeing him go, but they see Quinn’s plan and their belief in him right now is bulletproof.
The slew of new faces on defense just met J. Smith this summer.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) October 6, 2021
The EASIEST way to tell how much someone has watched the Cowboys defense is their reaction to this Jaylon Smith news lol. This is not at all surprising, and there is no one that should be BEGGING their team to add him, especially because it’s not a scheme issue
— Sterling Moore (@SterlingAndrew_) October 6, 2021
Jaylon Smith getting released is not shocking to anyone who is a Cowboys fan
The timing is the only weird part
— Cameron Magruder (@ScooterMagruder) October 6, 2021
“Why did the Cowboys release Jaylon Smith?” pic.twitter.com/TWiXYpRIGJ
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) October 6, 2021
https://twitter.com/DylansRawTake/status/1445565914728984582
We all have our own feelings about Dallas’ decision to part ways with Jaylon. But whether you are surprised, sad, or celebratory, there’s no denying that the defense has improved as his involvement has been reduced.
There’s a lot to appreciate about Smith’s story. And in the end, Dallas got a solid return on that 2nd-round pick for what Jaylon did accomplish over the last five years.
But clearly, whether it’s the young guys we’ve added, cap concerns, or just the shift to a new philosophy on defense, Jaylon Smith and his contract were now seen as being in the way. We hope he finds the right fit with his next team.
IMO, it’s the infusion of quicker players. JS just doesn’t have that quickness, as opponents can just run right around him. It was there for all to see. Wish him luck, nice guy. He will be picked up soon. They’re just going with younger, quicker guys, that simple.
I think one thing that hurt him was the big contract he had signed… also I think we all see the old EE starting to shine again ! It’s amazing how good competition can bring out the best in an athlete! Bottom line …… big payday poor performance equal no job! There are a couple more that better take notice!
Good to see a non productive player with a big contract who Jerry likes get cut. Could signal this franchise is taking a more business approach. Our LB situation looks good right now. No room for Smith.