Jets Make Decision on Mazi Smith's 5th-Year Contract Option After 2025 Cowboys Trade

New York Jets defensive tackle Mazi Smith's time in the Big Apple will likely come to an end after the 2026 season.

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported on Wednesday that the Jets declined the fifth-year option on Smith's contract, which would have paid him $13.9 million in 2027. He's set to make $2.6 million during the upcoming campaign.

The Jets acquired Smith from the Dallas Cowboys at the 2025 trade deadline as part of the deal that sent star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to Dallas. New York also landed a 2026 second-round pick and a conditional 2027 first-round pick in the trade.

Smith appeared in three games for the Jets but didn't record a single defensive statistic. In his five games for the Cowboys in 2025, he registered three total tackles. The 2023 No. 26 pick has appeared in 39 career games and totaled 57 tackles and two sacks.

Smith's lack of production made it hard for the Jets to keep him around as they continue their rebuild under head coach Aaron Glenn. New York ranked 31st in the NFL in scoring defense in 2025 with 29.6 points allowed per game, so the team needs as much firepower on defense as it could get. Defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat was also acquired from the Tennessee Titans this offseason.

Smith should be motivated to prove that he's more than what his career numbers say, as this year could be an audition for his future team when he hits free agency after the 2026 campaign.