Mazi Smith Benched: Jets Confirm Cowboys’ Draft Bust Fears After Just Two Games

The New York Jets have made former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith a healthy inactive. This move comes just two games after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade. The Jets face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12 without Smith on the game day roster.

This quick demotion validates the Cowboys’ decision to include Smith in the deal for All-Pro Quinnen Williams. It confirms widespread concerns about the 2023 first-round pick’s immediate NFL viability.

Trade Already Deemed a Loss for Jets’ Defensive Line

Smith’s benching is particularly telling given the Jets’ defensive line situation. The team has struggled with depth and performance in the trenches all season. According to NFL Network reports, the coaching staff saw insufficient effort and impact from Smith in practice and limited game action.

Newly signed veteran Khalen Saunders will dress instead. Saunders was available on the practice squad just days prior. This indicates a severe lack of confidence in Smith’s ability to contribute.

The issues that plagued Smith in Dallas reappeared instantly in New York. He was a liability against the run and provided no pass rush. His body language reportedly drew internal criticism from Jets coaches.

Cowboys Emerge as Early Winners in Franchise-Altering Swap

The stark contrast between the two players involved couldn’t be clearer. Quinnen Williams has immediately elevated the Cowboys’ defensive front with his disruptive presence. His performance underscores why New York was so reluctant to trade him.

For Dallas, moving on from Smith represents a clear admission of a draft mistake. However, securing a proven star like Williams softens that blow significantly. The early returns heavily favor Jerry Jones’s franchise.

The Jets now hold future draft capital from Dallas. Their hope is that those picks can help rebuild the roster. For now, the Smith experiment is over, highlighting a failed reclamation project.

The swift demotion of Mazi Smith by the Jets serves as a final indictment of his rookie struggles. It conclusively marks his tenure in Dallas as a major draft disappointment. This move solidifies the Cowboys’ position as clear early victors in the high-stakes Quinnen Williams trade.

Thought you’d like to know

Why did the Jets trade for Mazi Smith?

The Jets acquired Smith primarily as a throw-in to the larger Quinnen Williams deal. They viewed him as a low-cost, high-upside reclamation project for their defensive line depth.

How has Quinnen Williams played for the Cowboys?

Williams has been dominant, instantly becoming a focal point of the Dallas defense. His play has justified the hefty trade package the Cowboys surrendered to get him.

What were Mazi Smith’s main problems?

Scouts cited poor run defense for his size, a lack of pass-rush moves, and inconsistent effort. These issues persisted from his Dallas days into his brief Jets tenure.

Can Mazi Smith’s career be salvaged?

His path is now extremely difficult. Being a healthy inactive on a team with defensive line needs is a major red flag. His future likely depends on a dramatic shift in approach and technique.

Who won the trade between the Cowboys and Jets?

Based on immediate impact, the Cowboys are the undeniable winners. They exchanged a struggling player for a proven All-Pro, significantly boosting their Super Bowl chances this season.