The Dallas Cowboys are facing a critical decision regarding defensive tackle Mazi Smith, a former first-round pick whose underwhelming performance has sparked speculation about his future with the team. Selected as the No. 26 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith was expected to bolster the Cowboys’ defensive line with his standout college pedigree from Michigan. However, after two seasons of lackluster results, including a disappointing 2025 preseason, the Cowboys appear ready to move on from the $13.2 million defender, potentially making him the latest first-round draft pick to exit Dallas prematurely.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
Mazi Smith entered the NFL with high expectations following a stellar college career at Michigan, where he showcased his potential as a dominant defensive tackle. In 2024, Smith started all 17 games for the Cowboys, recording 41 tackles. While these numbers were respectable for a young player, they fell short of the impact expected from a first-round selection. His 2025 preseason performance further amplified concerns, as Smith struggled to make a significant contribution, failing to live up to the expectations set for a player of his draft pedigree.
Smith himself acknowledged his struggles, particularly after a lackluster showing in the first preseason game. “The first [preseason game], I wasn’t happy with at all, to be honest. I didn’t do anything,” Smith said in an August 12 interview with DallasCowboys.com’s Patrik Walker. “I just need to keep learning the scheme and keep getting off the ball. I’m a first-round pick. There’s expectations, and all that.”
Comparisons to Past Cowboys Draft Disappointments
Smith’s trajectory has drawn comparisons to other high-profile Cowboys draft picks who failed to meet expectations, such as Trysten Hill and Taco Charlton. Both players were first-round selections who were abruptly released by Dallas before completing their rookie contracts. Fans and analysts are now questioning whether Smith could follow a similar path, becoming yet another cautionary tale in the Cowboys’ history of draft missteps.
USA Today’s K.D. Drummond recently projected that Smith will not make the Cowboys’ final 53-man roster for the 2025 season, suggesting the team may either trade or release him. “This projection does not include DT Mazi Smith, who we are predicting will either be traded or released,” Drummond wrote in an August 23, 2025, article titled, “Cowboys initial 53-man roster projection: Recent 1st-rounder cut, Diggs activated from PUP.” Instead, Drummond’s projected defensive tackle lineup includes Osa Odighizuwa, Solomon Thomas, Perrion Winfrey, and Jay Toia, signaling a potential shift away from Smith.
Jerry Jones’ Philosophy and Smith’s Contract Complications
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has historically advocated for patience with young defensive linemen, citing legendary head coach Tom Landry’s philosophy. “Don’t ever give up on a defensive lineman, the big guys, until you’ve seen them for three years,” Jones said in December, according to Fort-Worth Star Telegram’s Nick Harris. Jones emphasized that defensive linemen often require time to develop, particularly those like Smith, who faced “unique circumstances” as a rookie, including ambiguity about his role as a nose guard.
Despite Jones’ stance, Smith’s performance has not shown the progress needed to secure his spot. With two years remaining on his four-year, $13.2 million rookie contract, releasing Smith would come with financial implications. According to Spotrac, cutting Smith would result in a $7.8 million dead cap hit, a significant cost for a team looking to maintain flexibility in roster construction. This financial burden could influence whether the Cowboys opt to trade Smith or give him another season to prove his worth.
An Uncertain Future in Dallas
Smith’s struggles have placed him at a crossroads. The Cowboys’ defensive line is expected to rely on players like Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas, leaving little room for Smith unless he can demonstrate significant improvement. His candid self-assessment reflects an awareness of the pressure he faces. “I just have to keep getting better,” Smith told DallasCowboys.com. “You gotta do something.”
As the Cowboys finalize their roster, the decision on Smith’s future will hinge on whether the team believes he can develop into the disruptive force they envisioned when drafting him. If Dallas opts to part ways, Smith could join the ranks of Hill and Charlton as first-round picks who failed to cement their place in Big D. For now, Cowboys fans and analysts alike await the outcome of what could be a defining moment in Smith’s young career.