Dallas Cowboys Jerry Jones’ Comments Signal End for Mazi Smith?

The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to make 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith a healthy scratch for their Week 1 opener against the Philadelphia Eagles sent a clear message. But it was owner Jerry Jones’ comments days later that cemented the defensive tackle’s precarious position with the team. For a player drafted to be a cornerstone of the run defense, being inactive while the team opts for other players speaks volumes.

Jones’ recent remarks have only intensified the speculation surrounding Smith’s future in Dallas. What was once seen as a developmental project is now looking more like a failed experiment, prompting questions about whether Smith’s time with the Cowboys is nearing an end and if a trade could be on the horizon.

Dallas Cowboys Jerry Jones on Mazi Smith’s Future

During his weekly radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Jerry Jones provided a telling update on the team’s defensive line plans for Week 2. When asked about the rotation, Jones indicated the Cowboys would stick with the same group that played against the Eagles. This effectively means Smith is on track to be a healthy scratch for the second consecutive week.

“Jerry Jones indicated on [105.3 The Fan] that the Cowboys will go with the same look at DT this week vs. the Giants, which means no Mazi Smith,” ESPN’s Todd Archer reported. Jones compounded the subtle slight by adding that he was “excited by what he’s seen from 7th round pick Jay Toia,” who was active over Smith in Week 1.

This is a significant blow for a player entering his third season. Smith has openly admitted his struggles, acknowledging he needs to improve and that as a first-round pick, the expectations are high. In 2024, he started all 17 games but was largely ineffective, recording just one sack and earning dismal grades from Pro Football Focus. His 34.8 overall grade ranked him 207th among interior defensive linemen.

For Jones to publicly confirm that a former first-round selection will once again be inactive in favor of a seventh-round rookie is a clear signal that the team is moving in a different direction. It suggests the coaching staff has lost faith in Smith’s ability to contribute, at least for now.

Could the Cowboys Trade Mazi Smith?

With Smith seemingly out of the rotation, the question of his future becomes more urgent. Keeping a former first-round pick on the roster as a perpetual healthy scratch is not a tenable situation. It occupies a valuable roster spot and serves as a constant reminder of a draft misstep. At this point, a trade seems like the most logical outcome for both parties.

For the Cowboys, a trade would allow them to recoup some value, even if it’s just a late-round draft pick. It would also free up a roster spot for a player who can contribute immediately. For Smith, a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to salvage his career. A new defensive scheme and coaching staff might be able to unlock the potential that made him a first-round talent.

Given his underwhelming performance and draft status, Dallas would likely have to accept a low return, perhaps a sixth or seventh-round pick. However, getting any draft capital for a player who isn’t contributing would be considered a win.

Three Teams That Could Use Mazi Smith

Several teams in need of defensive line depth and run-stopping help could be willing to take a low-risk flier on Smith. His college tape at Michigan showed a powerful, space-eating tackle, and another team might believe they can coach him back to that form.

1. Houston Texans

Head coach DeMeco Ryans is building a tough, defensive-minded culture in Houston. The Texans’ defense was porous against the run last season, and adding a big body like Smith (6-foot-3, 337 pounds) could provide much-needed beef to the interior of their line. Ryans, a former defensive standout, may feel confident that his staff can get the most out of a player with Smith’s raw physical tools.

2. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are in a full-blown rebuilding phase and are looking to acquire young talent at every position. Their defensive line lacks depth and high-end prospects. Trading a late-round pick for Smith would be a classic low-risk, high-reward move for a team with nothing to lose. He would get an immediate opportunity to compete for playing time on a roster that needs it.

3. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams’ defense is still finding its identity after the retirement of Aaron Donald. While they have promising young players, they could use more size and depth on the interior defensive line to help stuff the run. The Rams have a history of successfully rehabilitating players’ careers, and they could view Smith as a reclamation project worth a late-round investment.

The writing appears to be on the wall for Mazi Smith in Dallas. Jerry Jones’ comments have all but confirmed his place on the roster’s fringe, making a trade seem not just possible, but probable.