Smith, a former first-round pick for the Cowboys, has now been released by the Jets.
Former Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Mazi Smith has seen his NFL career take another detour after being released by the New York Jets.
Smith was used as a sweetener in the Quinnen Williams trade that sent the All-Pro to Dallas, as Mazi's time with the Cowboys was up and down.
A classic example of why you don't draft for need: Smith never really took off in Dallas, with the franchise going back and forth on his ideal playing weight and how best to utilize him.
It all ended with Mazi being shipped off to the Jets and Aaron Glenn as he looked to get his NFL career back on track.
But after just three games with the Jets last season (just 54 defensive snaps), and a preseason in New York, the franchise, ahead of cut down day, had seen enough, and made the call to release him.
Sometimes it just happens in football. A player who was touted as a first-round prospect just doesn't work out.
Smith couldn't find his place with the Cowboys and then with the Jets as well, so it will be interesting to see where Mazi lands in the coming days, once every other NFL team trims its roster.
Smith did show flashes with the Cowboys, but that was as good as it got, and for a franchise to move on from a first-round pick after two and a half seasons tells you all you need to know.
Defensive tackle is a tough position, and Smith has struggled since entering the league. Now, that's not to say he won't get another opportunity and shine, but the NFL is a brutal business, as Mazi is finding out now.
In all likelihood, someone will see something in Smith and maybe sign him to the practice squad so he can develop. After all, he is only 25 years old, so there is still plenty of time for him to make something of himself in the league.
It just didn't happen in Dallas or New York.
The NFL is filled with players who were on the scrap heap, only to land in a spot that helps them flourish; time will tell where Mazi's next NFL stop will be.
