Though the New England Patriots' shocking release of Stephon Gilmore might steal the headlines on most national NFL news outlets, it wasn't the only surprising release that happened in the last 24 hours. If you're reading this on 105.3 The Fan, it probably wasn't the most significant release from your perspective, either.
That's because it was reported that Cowboys LB Jaylon Smith, a 2019 Pro Bowler and an NFL Top 100 player for the past two seasons, had been released after trade opportunities were explored "but nothing materialized," (via Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com).
Many were caught off guard by the timing of the move, and that included former Dallas wide receiver Dez Bryant, whose reaction was captured in a series of tweets:
— First tweet: "I did not see that coming at all!!! Wow!!!"
— Second tweet: "I understand it's a business but you don't mess with a team whenever everything going right..."
Bryant also retweeted Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr. and expressed his belief that Smith will go on to have more success despite this bump in the road.
Michael Irvin had a similar response to the news, joining 105.3 The Fan's Shan & RJ on Wednesday morning to express his surprise and that he was "hurt" over Smith's release.
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"I was absolutely surprised, it was shocking," Irvin said, who found out about the release while recording a podcast with Trevon Diggs. "When we got the news... he (Diggs) went silent. He went dead silent.
"...I was shocked, and he was like, 'Man, Jaylon, that was one of the guys that took me in and everything.' And what Jaylon meant to him and everything, and how difficult that is. And guys in that locker room, they loved Jaylon.
"...It's a great story. It really is, it's such an inspiring story. And having guys like Jaylon on your team that have overcome things, I think that's very important. It just didn't work out."
Others reacted similarly to Bryant and Irvin, with a mix of surprise and understanding of the move.
Smith shouldn't have much trouble finding a new home, with a report already surfacing that the Raiders are a team to watch, and several others who could use some help at the linebacker position.
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