Like every other team in the NFL did on Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys finalized their initial 53-man roster, and it's undoubtedly safe to say that not every fan of America's Team is pleased that it included defensive tackle Mazi Smith.
Since the Cowboys took Smith in the opening round of the 2023 draft with the No. 26 overall selection, there's no getting around the fact that he's been a monumental disappointment. Throw in a less-than-stellar preseason this year, and it's easy to see why so many pundits and fans alike considered Smith to be a prime cut candidate come Tuesday.
But things obviously didn't go down that way. But when Brian Schottenheimer offered up his explanation on why Smith was included on the 53-man roster, it actually sounded more like one that would come down when someone was shown the door, at least in part.
Brian Schottenheimer offered a confusing explanation on why Mazi Smith made the Cowboys' 53-man roster
"It doesn't matter that you're a first-round pick," Schottenheimer told the media following what he said was a "great" conversation with Smith. "We want to see you be more consistent. We know what you're capable of. That's one of the things that's really important to me, is to find time to have conversations because I think it matters."
Okay, so that last part is nice, as it is important to find time to have conversations. Imagine if Jerry Jones and Micah Parsons would actually take the time to do that.
But Schottenheimer has effectively admitted that an inconsistent and subpar player that has come nowhere close to living up to his draft status still has a place on his football team - the most famous football team on the planet, mind you, and one that hasn't won a Super Bowl in nearly three decades.
That sends a confusing message, don't you think?
Yes, Smith had a few solid outings from time to time. But those are few and very far between. And when your overall PFF grades (yes, I know they don't mean everything) over a two-year stretch are 47.2 (2023) and 34.8 (2024) - and you've got a former first-round bust like Taco Charlton sticking up for you - things aren't going well.
Now, Smith isn't out of the woods just yet, as the Cowboys will obviously make several more moves between now and the time they take the field against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles next Thursday.
But in all likelihood, Smith will be on that field. And Schottenheimer will just have to hope that he plays like he's apparently still capable of playing.