In what seemed to be a slow Tuesday evening, the Dallas Cowboys made a noteworthy move. The Cowboys have released linebacker Jaylon Smith in a move that has surprised many.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted the news while also noting the money that the Cowboys still owe Smith. According to Spotrac, any new compensation that Smith earns from a different team in 2021 will be subtracted from the remaining $5.6M owed to him by Dallas.

Cowboys still owe LB Jaylon Smith $7.2 million for this season. https://t.co/gaL9WDGDTk

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2021

This move will have an impact on the Dallas Cowboys defense in the immediate future. Moving on from a player like Smith, who has played a ton — and important snaps — in his career, means that others will need to step up.

HOW THIS IMPACTS THE COWBOYS

The Dallas Cowboys added multiple linebackers to its roster this offseason. Dallas signed Keanu Neal in free agency before selecting both Micah Parsons and Jabril Cox in the 2021 NFL Draft. Parsons was drafted 12th overall, while Cox fell to the fourth-round and the value was too much for the Cowboys to pass on.

In addition to those moves, the Cowboys opted to decline Leighton Vander Esch's fifth-year option. That was a big sign that the Cowboys were potentially preparing to give Parsons and Cox major responsibility sooner rather than later.

Parsons has played a ton at defensive end early on in his rookie season. DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory have both missed games, so Dan Quinn has opted to utilize Parsons' speed off the edge. Meanwhile, we are still waiting to see more of Jabril Cox.

Can confirm. My sources tell me the #Cowboys tried unsuccessfully to trade Jaylon Smith. “He did everything we asked him to” but ultimately the play of guys like Keanu Neal, Leighton Vander Esch and I’m told perhaps increased use now of Jabril Cox led to the move bc of ⬇️ https://t.co/2YkPjxS6Ij

— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) October 6, 2021

The decision to move on from Jaylon Smith clears up some snaps and should provide an opportunity for Cox to step up in a bigger role. Cox was regarded as a top linebacker prospect due to his ability in coverage. That has a chance to pair nicely alongside Parsons, Vander Esch, and Neal.

Jayron Kearse is another play who could see an added boost thanks to this move. Kearse has been a big addition to the Cowboys defense this season at safety. With Dallas also having Malik Hooker, Damontae Kazee, and Donovan Wilson at the position, this could allow Dallas to get all four on the field together in different packages.

Smith was among the league leaders in tackles last season. He had some positive performances this season. Still, it was evident that the Cowboys have better talent that needs to be on the field more.

The Cowboys defense has been improved thus far this season. It will be interesting to see how Dan Quinn uses his personnel for the remainder of the year.

Featured image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports