The gamble on Aldon Smith has paid huge dividends for the Dallas Cowboys.
At 2-5-, the Cowboys are starting to trend toward the cellar of the NFC, but thanks to the atrocity of what is the division, this is just one game out of first place. With that said, the team has still made a few moves that could be perceived as selling.
Earlier, the team traded defensive end Everson Griffen, while releasing defensive tackle Dontari Poe and cornerback Daryl Worley.
While the Cowboys were moving pieces, the Seattle Seahawks were watching. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Seahawks contacted the Cowboys about trading Smith. Smith hadn’t played in the NFL since 2015, but the Cowboys took a chance. So far, the gamble has paid off as he has 32 tackles and 4.0 sacks.
According to Garafolo, the Cowboys rejected the request and are “likely” to give the 31-year old an extension after this season.
In response, the Seahawks ended up trading with the Cincinnati Bengals for defensive end Carlos Dunlap.
Smith has been a major highlight for the team. After the 2019 season ended, the Cowboys finished with the 10th ranked passing defense, 11th ranked rushing defense, and 11th ranked scoring defense.
Instead, the Cowboys are the worst defense in the league. At least, Smith worked out though.