DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy addressed the team's decision to release former Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith during his media availability Wednesday.
McCarthy said there were a number of factors that led them to move on from Smith, but ultimately it was a "big picture roster move."
"We felt this was the time to do it," McCarthy said. "I just think like anything, there's always factors involved in how you build your 90-man roster. … Jaylon's an excellent football player. There's other factors involved in this decision.
"He played good football for us. In my time with him, he totally bought into the new direction of the program and everything we've done. The guy practices every single day and plays his ass off. I have nothing but respect for him."
McCarthy was asked what factors led them to part with Smith, but he would only say that it was "a decision we needed to make."
“This is about progress and a little more clarity of defensive packages and personnel groups and how we want to play,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy added that Smith was "extremely professional" and "very positive" when informed of his pending release.
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"He obviously had a great career here, obviously has very strong ties to the organization and obviously the Dallas community," McCarthy said. "Those conversations are personal, but I thought he handled it very well."
According to multiple reports, finances were the key factor in letting Smith walk. The former second-round pick is guaranteed to earn $7.2 million this season, but the Cowboys would have been on the hook for another $9.2 million if he were to suffer a significant injury.
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