SPORTS

Jets Waive Defensive Tackle Mazi Smith Ahead of Roster Cuts

PUBLISHED Aug 29, 2026, 7:16 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 31

Left 3%

Center 94%

Right 3%

Sources: 31

The New York Jets are releasing defensive tackle Mazi Smith before roster cuts. ESPN reported this major transaction on Saturday morning. Smith entered the league as a first round draft choice selected by the Dallas Cowboys in twenty twenty three out of Michigan. He arrived in New York last season during a notable player trade involving Quinnen Williams. During his short time with the team, Smith struggled to secure playing time behind veteran additions like David Onyemata and T Vondre Sweat. Earlier this spring, team executives officially declined the fifth year option on his rookie contract. As professional football franchises trim active rosters to fifty three players, Smith hits the waiver wire. Other league organizations now hold the opportunity to claim his remaining agreement. The former college standout faces an uncertain professional career path while awaiting potential interest from competing professional football organizations across the United States sports league landscape.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On April 27, 2023: Dallas Cowboys selected defensive tackle Mazi Smith in first round.
On November 4, 2025: Cowboys traded defensive tackle Mazi Smith to New York Jets.
On November 4, 2025: Quinnen Williams moved permanently to Dallas in blockbuster player transaction.
On April 29, 2026: New York Jets officially declined rookie contract fifth year option.
On August 29, 2026: Mazi Smith played during preseason game against New York Giants.
On August 30, 2026: ESPN reported Jets releasing defensive tackle Mazi Smith today morning.
On August 30, 2026: Franchise submitted roster cuts ahead of league deadline today morning.
On August 30, 2026: Player currently sits available on official NFL waiver wire market.
On August 31, 2026: Competing NFL teams evaluate waiver claims for defensive tackle player.
On September 1, 2026: Unclaimed player explores potential practice squad opportunities across football league.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: NFL roster landscape shifts as teams evaluate available defensive talent.
Possible long-term US impact: Player career trajectory depends entirely upon successful upcoming waiver claims.
Most affected groups: Professional football franchises, defensive linemen, coaching staff, and avid fans.
Reader Priorities: Verified league transactions, official team statements, and waiver wire updates.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 31
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 29

Explain Framing

Left: Focuses on labor dynamics and player contract challenges within sports. Center: Emphasizes objective roster transaction facts and official team roster updates. Right: Highlights individual athletic performance metrics and organizational financial asset management.