Do you think that Jones considered how this would effect team chemistry?
Despite the opinion of many fans, Jaylon was a very popular player in the locker room, elected captain for a game earlier this season. Coaches want the players to be close to each other, it fosters teamwork, accountability and commitment to each other.
However, on the flipside, this loyalty to each other can backfire if it is felt as though a teammate was treated unfairly. This comes at a very sensitive time for the young team as they build momentum from a three game winning streak.
Jaylon's level of play was not the consideration here, it was a business decision. I don't believe that McCarthy feels that it the Cowboys are now a better team today than yesterday. This was about money and where it is allocated.
In less than 24 hours Smith has been snapped up by another NFC contender, that's an ominous development.
This might come as a shock to some of you but NFL GM's have a little more expertise than fans when it comes to evaluating the value of a player.