Alarming trend shows why exactly why Cowboys pushed Mazi Smith to Jets

The main reason the New York Jets traded Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys was for the haul of draft picks that came their way as a result of the move, but they also took on the challenge of trying to turn former first-round pick Mazi Smith into a solid NFL defensive tackle.

The first few dozen snaps for each of these two on their respective new teams could not have been more different. Williams was dominant in a Monday Night Football win against the Las Vegas Raiders, while Smith was his usual and ineffective self.

Williams recorded five QB hits and 1.5 sacks against a terrible Raiders offensive line, looking every bit like the All-Pro player he has been in the past. Unfortunately, the Jets saw exactly why the Cowboys were so eager to get rid of Smith.

Smith, who barely made any sort of impact against the Browns and Patriots, recorded just six QB hits and two sacks in his Cowboys career, which lasted 39 games. It took Williams one game to match that production, which illustrates what a work in progress Smith is right now.

Alarming stats show why Cowboys gave up on Jets DT Mazi Smith

The Jets apparently think so little of Smith that they signed veteran Khalen Saunders to compete with, and possibly take snaps away from, the former Michigan first-round pick. Through two games, Smith has not shown any signs that his Dallas days are behind him.

Smith might be able to make up for his utterly pitiful performance as a pass rusher if he were able to use his giant frame effectively to stop the run, but he has graded out as perhaps an even worse run-stuffer. The Michigan standout did not make the trip to the pros.

The one saving grace the Jets get out of the whole Smith experience is the fact that they aren't tied to him for very long. Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs are firmly ahead of him on the depth chart, and it seems likely that one of New York's four picks in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft will be used on a defensive tackle.

While Williams starts dominating in Dallas, Smith gives the Jets a painful reminder that not every former top pick can be rehabilitated by a coaching staff that is determined to get the most out of him. Smith is just as bad as he was in Dallas.