The Dallas Cowboys have released Jaylon Smith.
The move comes as a surprise since Smith has not missed a game in his career and the Cowboys are on the hook for his full $7.2 million base salary.
By releasing Smith now, the Cowboys are free from the $9.2 million base salary in 2022 that was currently guaranteed only for injury.
Jerry Jones met with Smith on Tuesday to discuss the team's decision.
Smith signed a five-year, $64 million extension in 2019 that included $35.5 million in guaranteed money.
The Cowboys selected Smith in the second round of the 2016 draft despite a serious knee injury suffered in his final game at Notre Dame that scared off many teams.