Cowboys beat writer says Dallas could cut ties with starter to save nearly $7 million

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most iconic and successful franchises in the history of the National Football League, have always been a team known for making bold and strategic moves when it comes to their roster. With a rich history of success and a passionate fan base that expects nothing but the best, the Cowboys are constantly looking to improve and put themselves in the best position to win.

As the team’s beat reporter, Jon Machota is tasked with closely following and reporting on all things related to the Cowboys. From game updates and player interviews to trade rumors and contract negotiations, Machota is constantly on the lookout for any news or developments that could impact the team’s performance on the field.

In a recent interview, Machota made an interesting prediction that has caught the attention of Cowboys fans and analysts alike. According to Machota, the team could be considering cutting ties with a starter who is entering the final year of his $21 million contract. This news has sparked speculation and debate among fans and experts, with many wondering which player Machota could be referring to and what the implications of such a move would be.

One player who immediately comes to mind as a potential candidate for being cut is linebacker Jaylon Smith. Smith, a former second-round draft pick out of Notre Dame, has been a key contributor on the Cowboys’ defense since entering the league in 2016. Known for his speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability, Smith has been a standout performer for the Cowboys and has established himself as one of the team’s defensive leaders.

However, despite his on-field success, Smith’s performance has been inconsistent at times, leading some to question whether he is worth the hefty price tag that comes with his $21 million contract. With the Cowboys facing salary cap constraints and needing to make tough decisions to free up space for other key players, cutting ties with Smith could be a viable option for the team.

Of course, cutting ties with a player of Smith’s caliber would not come without its risks and consequences. The Cowboys would need to find a suitable replacement for Smith, either through the draft, free agency, or by promoting a younger player from within the organization. Additionally, cutting Smith would likely result in a significant dead money hit against the team’s salary cap, further complicating their financial situation.

Despite these potential drawbacks, Machota’s prediction raises an important question about the Cowboys’ strategy and priorities heading into the upcoming season. With the team coming off a disappointing 2020 campaign in which they missed the playoffs and underperformed expectations, the pressure is on for the Cowboys to make the necessary changes and improvements to get back on track.

In recent years, the Cowboys have been known for their aggressive approach to roster building, making big splashes in free agency and the draft to bring in top talent and address key needs. However, with the team’s salary cap situation and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Cowboys may need to take a more conservative approach and make tough decisions to stay within budget.

Cutting ties with a high-priced starter like Jaylon Smith could be just the beginning of a series of moves that the Cowboys make to retool their roster and position themselves for success in the future. With key players like Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper already locked in to lucrative contracts, the Cowboys will need to make smart and strategic decisions to ensure that they have the financial flexibility to build a competitive team around their core players.

As the offseason progresses and the Cowboys continue to evaluate their roster and make decisions about their future, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Machota’s prediction plays out. Whether the Cowboys ultimately decide to cut ties with Smith or not, one thing is certain: the team’s commitment to winning and putting the best product on the field will drive their decision-making process every step of the way.

In conclusion, Jon Machota’s prediction about the Cowboys potentially cutting ties with a starter entering the final year of his $21 million contract has sparked a lively debate among fans and experts. As the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2020 season and position themselves for success in the future, tough decisions will need to be made about the roster and how to best allocate resources. Whether the Cowboys ultimately decide to part ways with Jaylon Smith or another high-priced player remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the team’s commitment to excellence and winning will guide their decision-making process every step of the way.

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Source: Sporting News