Mazi Smith Emerges as Trade Target Ahead of NFL Deadline

Dallas, TX — Cowboys defensive lineman Mazi Smith has become a notable trade candidate as the NFL’s deadline approaches. After being a healthy scratch in Monday’s game against the Cardinals, the 24-year-old’s position on the team appears to be in jeopardy.

Drafted 26th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith struggled to make an impact in his rookie season. He was a standout player at Michigan, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and recording impressive stats during his college career. However, since joining the Cowboys, he has not delivered the expected results.

In five games this season, Smith has only tallied three tackles, prompting speculation about his future in Dallas. The Cowboys coaching staff seems to prioritize a shift in the roster as they look for fresh talent.

“A change could benefit both Mazi and the team,” said one league source familiar with the situation. “He needs an opportunity to thrive elsewhere, and the Cowboys may benefit from trade capital.”

As of late, several teams have shown interest, particularly given the players they are looking to unload ahead of the trade deadline on November 4 at 4 p.m. ET. The Cowboys may see this as a chance to gather assets for a player whose contributions have not met expectations.

Smith played a total of 35 games in his college career, recording 88 tackles, six tackles for loss, and only half a sack. If he can regain the form that made him a first-round pick, he may still have a promising career ahead of him.

With the NFL trade deadline fast approaching, any movement involving Smith could open new doors for both player and team.