The Chargers and Joey Bosa agreed to a contract extension that could pay the defensive end $28.5 million in 2019, but it’s what the Cowboys did with DeMarcus Lawrence that has everyone talking.
In the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys have been a powerhouse for years. Recently, they made a shocking move by trading away their star running back Ezekiel Elliott to the Philadelphia Eagles. The move could benefit the Chargers and Joey Bosa in particular.
After back-to-back statement wins against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders, the Los Angeles Chargers sit atop the AFC West. This squad is firing on all cylinders under new head coach Brandon Staley, and they are playing great football early in the season.
Justin Herbert broke another NFL record and continued to prove his value as the Chargers defeated the Raiders in a big Monday night battle. Joey Bosa and Derwin James have been outstanding, and after the Chargers’ victory, the edge rusher blasted the officials and made some remarks about Derek Carr.
The Dallas Cowboys, on the other hand, made the surprising choice to release Jaylon Smith on Tuesday. The Chargers would profit from taking a chance on Smith and placing him on the same defense as the above-mentioned superstars, as well as promising rookie Asante Samuel Jr.
The Cowboys’ decision to sever relations with Jaylon Smith was unexpected.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts attempts to outpace the Dallas Cowboys’ Jaylon Smith #9 during the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 27, 2021. | Getty Images/Tom Pennington
Perhaps the most unexpected aspect of the move was the timing. The Cowboys are 3-1 to start the season and are in a strong position to win the NFC East division, as Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have performed well, even defeating the Chargers in Week 2.
Nonetheless, it was just a matter of time until Smith was released, given his contract figures and the team’s insistence on eliminating the injury guarantee for the 2022 season (h/t NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo).
A trade is unlikely since the #Cowboys have already looked into it, and he still owes the rest of his $7.2 million basic salary for this season plus $9.2 million in injury guarantees for next year, according to sources. The latter is a major reason why the squad is now moving on. https://t.co/35xPaYzit7
October 6, 2021 — Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo)
Smith is also due more than $7 million in salary for the 2021 season. It may come as a shock given the timing, but Smith’s snap numbers have dropped significantly in recent weeks, so it was unavoidable.
In Sunday’s win against the Carolina Panthers, the former Cowboys linebacker played fewer than half of the team’s snaps, indicating how they feel about him.
Smith, who has been in every game during the 2017 season, could have plenty of suitors. The Chargers should at least pick up the phone and give it some consideration, as the former 2016 second-round selection out of Notre Dame could have a busy few days as clubs ask about his services.
Smith’s arrival would be a game-changer for the Chargers.
Oh, yeah, those three together might be lethal, especially with Staley directing the defense’s plays. Everyone knows how amazing James can be when he’s healthy, and Bosa keeps playing at a Pro Bowl level year after year.
Kenneth Murray was also hurt for the Chargers, but his stint on injured reserve is only expected to last three weeks. Still, bringing in a player like Smith in the midst of the season is unusual, and the Chargers may profit from it.
With players like Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald, Staley just led the Los Angeles Rams to the best defense in the NFL in 2020, and the Chargers defense has been performing well to start the season.
Is Smith necessary for the Chargers? No, but it’s worth considering, and seeing all three together– along with Samuel and emerging corner Michael Davis– at SoFi Stadium would be a sight to see.
The Chargers’ prospects are low, but their quality is undeniable.
According to reports, the #Packers are keeping an eye on former #Cowboys Pro Bowl LB Jaylon Smith. They’re making an effort. Coach Matt LaFleur was a fan of Smith’s at Notre Dame. Several teams are still in contention, and the game is far from finished.
October 6, 2021 — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
The Chargers’ new head coach is still actively engaged with the defense, which has so far paid dividends. According to reports, Smith wants to join the Green Bay Packers, and there’s reason to believe that almost every NFL club would be interested in signing the former Cowboys linebacker.
Without Smith, the Chargers’ defense should be enough, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask about his services, and who knows what Staley might accomplish with another great player like Smith.
Regardless, releasing a starting-caliber linebacker and past Pro Bowler in the midst of a season is very unusual. Even with the money still on Smith’s contract, he should be able to find work quickly and play a significant role in whatever city he chooses.
Pro Football Reference provided the statistics.
RELATED: The Cowboys Just Accidentally Offered Their Biggest Rival a $50 Million Gift They Needed
Related Tags
- joey bosa contract
- bosa brothers
- joey bosa stats
