Cowboys trade rumors: Team willing to trade Mazi Smith as deadline nears

"Dallas also appears to be open to trading 2023 first-round DT Mazi Smith, who has only played in five games this season. This is the first time the team has been mentioned as potentially moving on from Smith. Coming out of training camp, Smith was on the brink of being released after preseason standout Perrion Winfrey came on strong to finish the summer. The Cowboys also picked Jay Toia in the draft, who they were high on as a developmental player at the one-tech position."

"Smith has never been able to live up to his draft status or the hype around him after being named Bruce Feldman's Freakiest Athlete in college football. Three defensive coordinators later, the defensive tackle's most productive season came under Mike Zimmer and defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina. Even his brightest moments were few and far between. If the Cowboys don't find a trade partner before the deadline on Tuesday, Dallas might decide it's best for both parties to move in a different direction and Dallas outright releases him."

"If the Cowboys don't find a trade partner before the deadline on Tuesday, Dallas might decide it's best for both parties to move in a different direction and Dallas outright releases him. If this is the end for Smith in a Cowboys uniform, it'll be the first time since Taco Charlton that Dallas has cut a first-round pick without finishing their rookie contract (trading Micah Parsons isn't the same thing)."

Dallas is open to moving on from Mazi Smith before Tuesday's trade deadline. Smith has played in only five games this season. Coming out of training camp, Smith was on the brink of being released after preseason standout Perrion Winfrey finished the summer strong. The Cowboys also drafted Jay Toia as a developmental one-tech option. Smith has not matched his first-round draft status or the college hype that included being named Bruce Feldman's Freakiest Athlete. His most productive season occurred under Mike Zimmer and defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina, but even his brightest moments were limited. If no trade partner appears, Dallas may release Smith, which would mirror the Taco Charlton cut of a first-round pick before completing a rookie contract.

Read at Blogging The Boys