3 surprise cuts the Cowboys could make this offseason

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks with CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 03: Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a sack by teammate DeMarcus Lawrence (not pictured) against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on January 03, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Dallas Cowboys surprise cuts – LB Jaylon Smith

Let’s stick with the defense here as a key defender vulnerable to release is Smith. It would be painful to move on from Smith, who is just 25 and racked up 154 tackles in 2020, but there are a couple of factors that make it a distinct possibility.

The change in defensive scheme from the Cowboys could impact Smith, who will take on different responsibilities in Dan Quinn’s unit. If Dallas decides that they could find a similar player for less money a cut is certainly a realistic possibility.

The bigger issue with Smith is simply his salary cap hit, which can be cut by over $7 million if he is designated as a post-June 1 release. Using that money for a couple of players could help the Cowboys assemble a more complete defensive unit.

The odds of Smith being cut are unlikely since he is a fan favorite and should still have room to improve. A more likely scenario is that Dallas approaches Smith and asks him to restructure his contract to create the necessary space to improve the roster.

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