​The New York Jets have made another significant NFL roster decision ahead of the league’s cutdown deadline, releasing defensive tackle Mazi Smith.The former first-round pick was acquired from the Dallas Cowboys last season as part of the blockbuster trade that sent three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to Dallas.MORE:Previewing all 16 NFC teams & predicting every record in 2026Smith never found a role in New YorkAug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Drew Allar (16) looks to pass while being pursued by New York Jets defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn ImagesSmith arrived in New York with an opportunity to become an important piece of the defensive line after Williams was traded. Instead, the former No. 26 overall pick struggled to establish himself in the Jets’ rotation.Smith appeared in just three games for the Jets last season, recording no tackles. He also couldn’t crack the team’s top defensive-line rotation during training camp this summer despite receiving plenty of preseason opportunities.The Jets had already signaled their lack of confidence in Smith when they declined his fifth-year option earlier this offseason, meaning he was headed toward free agency after the 2026 season anyway.Now, New York has decided not to carry him into the regular season.MORE:NFL predictions: Previewing all 16 AFC teams & predicting every record in 2026Piece of the Quinnen Williams trade is goneJul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) wears a Guardian helmet cap during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsThe move adds another interesting wrinkle to the blockbuster trade that sent Williams to Dallas.The Jets received a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and Smith in exchange for Williams. New York viewed the draft capital as an important part of its rebuilding process, while Smith was essentially an added opportunity to find another young defensive lineman.That gamble didn’t pay off.Williams, meanwhile, immediately became an important part of the Cowboys’ defense and eventually earned a massive three-year, $105.9 million extension from Dallas.For the Jets, the good news is that the trade was never dependent on Smith becoming a star. The draft picks remain the most significant part of the deal, particularly the 2027 first-round selection.Smith is only 25 years old and was a first-round pick just three years ago, so another team could still take a chance on him as a depth piece.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —