The Dallas Cowboys didn't waste too much time looking for an answer to their front seven concerns. When Dallas drafted defensive tackle Jay Toia in the seventh-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, it became apparent that the Joneses are growing wary of their former first-round talent.
Mazi Smith came to Dallas with some promise by just his pure size, but since he was drafted in 2023 he hasn't really been standing out from his peers. The Cowboys desperately need his presence to be felt in helping to stop the run, especially with a tough end-of-season stretch where the Cowboys will be put to the test.
It's clear the organization is breathing down Smith's neck by picking Toia. Now, former Cowboys defensive end Greg Ellis, who made the Pro Bowl in 2007 and played 11 seasons with Dallas, thinks the plug should be pulled on Smith.
"I think he played better last year, he flashed some good stuff in my opinion," Ellis told All-City DLLS. "Hopefully, they factor in something into the equation to allow Mazi's superhero ability to flash, if not, you might need to just trade him."
Greg Ellis thinks the Cowboys should trade Mazi Smith
To be fair, Smith is about to play in his third NFL season, and has had different faces leading the defense for his entire NFL career. Dan Quinn, Mike Zimmer and Matt Eberflus all have entirely differently philosophies, so, it's fair to say that Smith is simply getting the short end of the stick.
On the contrary, Toia might've just entered the door at the perfect time, and this could make an easy transition for the Cowboys to replace Smith with Toia. Eberflus admires quick stops on the run and a "bend don't break" approach. Smith may not be able to keep up with this philosophy, and that's why Toia was picked.
All fans are asking of Smith is to create rushing lanes for linebackers, shed blocks and wreak havoc in the backfield.
Toia and Smith are similar in weight, but Toia has shown great movement for his 342-pound frame. Toia was double teamed a ton at UCLA, and if he's able to open up holes for quick stops, it might be the end of Smith in a Cowboys uniform as we know it.
The only issue with trading Smith is that Dallas doesn't have the horses behind him. They might need Smith for sheer bodies at the nose tackle position, but Ellis is not wrong to think that a divorce might be best for both parties.