Should the Cowboys consider trading away these four players?

Jaylon Smith, LB

It certainly appears to be a case of buyer’s remorse when it comes to linebacker Jaylon Smith. After posting his best season in 2018, recording 121 tackles, six tackles for loss, six QB hits, and 4.0 sacks, Smith’s play has declined over the past two years. That’s despite earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2019.

Under one-and-done defensive coordinator Mike Nolan last year, Smith posted his worst performance yet. Pro Football Focus gave the Cowboys fourth-year linebacker an overall grade of 54.2 for his play in 2020. That after signing a massive five-year, $64 million contract extension the year prior.

Trading a player coming off his worst season as a professional with a massive price tag is near impossible. But perhaps there’s some team out there willing to deal with Dallas hoping that the 25-year old Pro Bowler is the key to unlocking their defense’s potential.

At this point, the Cowboys may be willing to move on from Smith for pennies, especially considering they just hired a new defensive coordinator in Dan Quinn. Although one of the reasons Quinn might have brought to Dallas was to try and salvage Smith’s career in Dallas.