The New York Jets have made a decision on the second player with a fifth-year option attached to their rookie contract.
According to ESPN, after the team decided to exercise the fifth-year option on the contract of edge defender Will McDonald IV, the team has decided to not pick up the one on Mazi Smith’s. After landing Smith in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, the option fell into the Jets’ hands and New York has declined to pick it up:
Smith was selected by the Cowboys at No, 26 overall at the 2023 draft. Smith made his way to New York in the deal that sent star Quinnen Williams in the opposite direction.
Smith has struggled to find his way in the NFL and never managed to stand out even after leaving Dallas.
Declining the option on Smith’s contract means he is not under contract with the Jets in 2027. Picking up the option comes up with a big pay day, so considering the below average pay from Smith, it is not surprising the Jets declined the option that is only attached to players that were former first-round picks.
Smith still remains under contract with the Jets next season, though. He could still earn a new contract with his play in 2026.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets make decision on Mazi Smith’s fifth-year option
Reporting by USA TODAY / Jets Wire
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