It’s rare that a big name defensive player is outright released from his team. It’s even rarer that two big name defensive player are outright released within 24 hours of each other. It started Tuesday evening when ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that the Dallas Cowboys, after not being able to find a trade partner, had released Pro Bowl linebacker Jaylon Smith.
In-season surprise: Cowboys released LB Jaylon Smith, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2021
The news continued on Wednesday morning when Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots saw news of the Smith release and said “Hold my beer”.
A stunner: Patriots are releasing four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform List after Week 6, source tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/31H8KQF8hq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2021
Gilmore, the 31-year old All-Pro cornerback, has been hampered by a quad injury and is seemingly a salary cap casualty as the Patriots were only $54,000 under the salary cap and Gilmore’s base salary was over $7 million.
The Colts could use upgrades at both linebacker and cornerback but could they make a play for either Jaylon Smith or Stephon Gilmore? It’s possible but they have their own salary cap issues to worry about. And which would fit the team best? Kevin Bowen and Greg Rakestraw debated the potential that the Colts could be in on either player on Wednesday’s edition of The Fan Morning Show, which you can listen to below.
And be sure to listen to The Fan Morning Show with Kevin Bowen every weekday morning from 7-10am on 93.5 and 107.5 The Fan!
