The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads with their former first-round pick, Mazi Smith, whose absence from the active roster for the second consecutive week during their victory over the New York Giants has sparked trade rumors. The 2023 No. 26 overall pick, once heralded as a cornerstone for Dallas’ defensive line, has struggled to secure a consistent role, prompting speculation about a potential change of scenery. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has named Smith among the top 10 players on the NFL trade block, with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers emerging as prime destinations. Could the Lions unlock the untapped potential of this 6’3”, 337-pound defensive tackle for a bargain price?
According to Bleacher Report, Smith’s trade value is estimated at a 2026 conditional sixth-round pick—a small price for a player with Smith’s pedigree and physical tools. A hypothetical trade could see the Cowboys parting ways with Smith in exchange for this modest draft capital, while the Lions bet on their coaching staff to revive the career of a player who started all 17 games for Dallas in 2024. For Detroit, this move represents a low-risk gamble with significant upside, as Smith’s raw talent and athleticism remain undeniable.
“With Kenny Clark now anchoring the middle of their defense, the Cowboys appear to have little interest in letting Smith learn on the field,” Knox wrote in his September 10, 2025, analysis. “This means he can probably be had for pennies on the dollar. Smith was viewed as a raw prospect coming out of college and was always expected to need time to develop. He’s still a former first-round pick with a tremendous amount of untapped potential. A change of scenery might be required for him to reach it.”
The Lions, known for their aggressive defensive front led by star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, could provide the perfect environment for Smith to thrive. Pairing him with Hutchinson’s relentless energy could elevate Smith’s production, allowing him to disrupt opposing offenses as originally envisioned when Dallas drafted him out of Michigan.
Smith’s four-year, $13.2 million rookie contract runs through 2026, but his role in Dallas has diminished since the arrival of veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Had Smith developed as hoped, the Cowboys might not have prioritized adding another interior lineman to complement superstar Micah Parsons. Instead, Smith’s inconsistency has kept him sidelined, as noted by defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
“Just consistency,” Eberflus explained when asked about Smith’s lack of playing time, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “He’s done that, just at a more consistent level. That’s really it. That’s been our message to him throughout the building. He’s improving on that, for sure.”
Despite his struggles, Smith’s physical attributes and durability—he started 20 games over two seasons—make him an intriguing project for a team like Detroit, which has a knack for developing young talent under head coach Dan Campbell.
Even as his playing time has dwindled, Smith has maintained a team-first mentality. “I’m just trying to do what’s best for the team and listen to my coaches and do exactly what they say, whether I’m playing or not,” Smith told The Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins. This professionalism could make him an appealing addition to a Lions locker room known for its strong culture and camaraderie.
For the Cowboys, trading Smith could provide a chance to recoup some value for a player who no longer fits their immediate plans. A conditional sixth-round pick might not seem like much, but it’s better than letting Smith’s contract run its course without contributing on the field. For the Lions, acquiring Smith is a low-cost opportunity to add depth and potential to their defensive line. If Detroit’s coaching staff can unlock the promise that made Smith a first-round pick, this trade could prove to be a steal.
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the Cowboys pull the trigger on a deal and if the Lions seize the chance to land a 20-game iron man for a mere $13 million investment. The clock is ticking for Mazi Smith to find his place in the NFL—could Detroit be the key to unlocking his potential?