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Why Detroit Lions Must Sign Linebacker Jaylon Smith

The Dallas Cowboys made a surprise roster move on Tuesday evening. Read more on why the Detroit Lions must capitalize.

John Maakaron

The Detroit Lions must consider any and all avenues to improve their defense. 

Against the Chicago Bears, the defensive line was simply unable to consistently pressure rookie quarterback Justin Fields, while the secondary continued to struggle with miscommunication and giving up chunk plays to the opposition's wideouts. 

On Tuesday evening, it was reported by ESPN that linebacker Jaylon Smith had been released by the Dallas Cowboys.

Smith's release surprised many, as the 26-year-old linebacker has been healthy and has not missed a single game in his career.

Dallas will be responsible for his base salary of $7.2 million. 

According to ESPN, "The team had some trade discussions earlier in the season, according to sources, but a deal never came to fruition. By releasing Smith now, the Cowboys are free from the $9.2 million base salary in 2022 that was currently guaranteed only for injury."

With Micah Parsons, Leighton Vander Esch and Keanu Neal likely ahead of him on the depth chart, Dallas' front office felt comfortable putting Smith on the open market. 

No teams were willing to consummate a deal, so the 2016 second-round draft pick is free to sign with any team moving forward.

Detroit's current linebackers unit is in major need of a talent infusion, as Alex Anzalone is currently anchoring the 2021 unit. 

Rookie Derrick Barnes is being groomed to become the leader of Detroit's defense, but is still being brought along slowly. 

With the departure of veteran Jamie Collins, Jalen Reeves-Maybin has seen increased reps for Aaron Glenn's defense. 

Meanwhile, Smith's snap counts have steadily decreased in Dan Quinn's defense, and against the Panthers, he played in only 40 percent of the team's defensive snaps.

Smith earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2019, and has secured 18 tackles in four games in 2021. 

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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