Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy explains Jaylon Smith release, who is NFC North bound

The Dallas Cowboys made the decision to release linebacker Jaylon Smith yesterday, and as head coach Mike McCarthy put it, there were "multiple" reasons behind it.

"Really this wasn't an easy decision," McCarthy said. "He's a good football player. He's played excellent football here for a long time, but we have a [defensive] system, I think it's clear now after four games how we're playing."

McCarthy said that Smith, whom he met with after being informed of the decision by team owner and GM Jerry Jones, was in positive spirits despite the unfortunate news. 

"Extremely professional, very positive," McCarthy said of Smith's reaction. "Obviously he had a great career here. Obviously has very strong ties to the organization and obviously the Dallas community. Obviously those conversations are personal, but I thought he handled it very well."

Smith, who played collegiately at Notre Dame and was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2016 draft, has already found a new home. According to multiple reports, the Green Bay Packers are finalizing a deal to bring Smith to the frozen tundra: 

Smith was signed by the Cowboys to a five-year, $65 million contract extension in 2019. However, he's battled injury troubles since suffering nerve damage in his final game at Notre Dame that caused him to miss his entire rookie season. His play has also been inconsistent. 

He's not started any games for the Cowboys this season,  and has amassed 19 tackles and played in 148 of 264 snaps