While the dust is still settling from the Dallas Cowboys’ roster moves, one decision that appears etched in 2025 stone is the return of defensive tackle Mazi Smith. This has drawn criticism throughout sectors of Cowboys Nation, but should it really have come as a surprise? Smith being a former first-round pick does matter, and the team’s history of dealing with them shows how this third season should’ve never really been in doubt.

Frustration with where Smith is at this point in his career is natural and appropriate. Rest assured, the front office and coaching staff share it. But even with an overhauled defensive staff under Matt Eberflus, the notion that Smith might not make the roster ahead of just his third NFL season was shaky at best. When we discussed the biggest surprises from Dall

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