The Dallas Cowboys parted ways with linebacker Jaylon Smith on Wednesday, ending a four-year spell with the team after making his debut in the 2017 season. Head coach Mike McCarthy spoke out on the decision to release Smith, who had been an important part of the Cowboys’ defense in past years:

While this move was a surprise to many, Smith hasn’t started a single game this season because of rookie Micah Parsons’ emergence along with Leighton Vander Esch and Keanu Neal, who is returning from the IL this week.

Smith signed a huge five-year, $64 million extension with the Cowboys in 2019 and before this season, started every single game for Dallas between 2018 and 2020. They’re now responsible for his $7.2 million salary and even tried to trade him this summer, but had no luck putting together a deal.

The linebacker was selected by the Cowboys in the 2016 draft out of Notre Dame but many were cautious with selecting him after Smith suffered a scary knee injury with the Fighting Irish. However, Dallas was confident in their doctor’s ability to help his rehab and he eventually suited up in 2017.

Smith’s best season in a Cowboys uniform came in 2018, collecting 121 tackles in 16 contests. He’s a proven player at the NFL level and there shouldn’t be any problem for him finding a home elsewhere in the league.