These former Cowboys will be playing in the 2022 playoffs
By Jerry Trotta
Jaylon Smith, LB (Giants)
Smith’s fall from grace with the Cowboys was tough to watch, and it ultimately led to his release last October.
A former second-round pick of Dallas in 2016, Smith earned Pro Bowl honors in 2019, but he really only put together one good season, and that came the season prior in 2018. He cashed in on that performance to the tune of a five-year, $63.75 million extension. It felt like an overpay at the time, and he didn’t even fulfill two years of the contract when all was said and done before his release.
Like Quinn, Smith has found a home in the NFC East. He’s started 11 games (13 appearances) for the Giants, logging 88 tackles, 3 TFLs, and two QB hits to go with a 56.0 player grade (44.9 coverage grade) from Pro Football Focus.
Nice to see Jaylon get playing time elsewhere, but Cowboys fans surely aren’t heartbroken he’s not repping the star on his helmet anymore.
Cole Beasley, WR (Bills)
Beasley is seemingly nearing the end of his career, but he’s back with the championship-hopeful Bills after going unsigned for most of the season. Beasley initially started with the Buccaneers, and caught for balls in two games before getting released and returning to Buffalo’s practice squad in mid-December.
Now 33 years old, Beasley was one of the game’s most underrated slot receivers during his time in Dallas (2012-18). He was the definition of a security blanket for Tony Romo, and fulfilled the same role for Dak Prescott early in the QB’s career.
In fact, Beasley’s best season with the Cowboys came in Dak’s rookie year in 2016, when he tallied 75 catches for 833 yards and five TDs.
Beasley’s best years statistically speaking came in Buffalo, but he made a name for himself as Dez Bryant’s sidekick in Dallas’ WR room.
