Cowboys OC Brian Schottenheimer Issues Stern Warning to Mazi Smith Over Poor Performance
Dallas, TX – June 27, 2025
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has publicly called out defensive tackle Mazi Smith, delivering a blunt warning about the former first-round pick’s future with the team. With the 2025 minicamp concluding this week, Schottenheimer’s comments highlight growing concerns over Smith’s lackluster performance, putting his spot on the 53-man roster in jeopardy.
Smith, selected 26th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, signed a four-year, $13.27 million contract but has struggled to meet expectations. Over two seasons, the Michigan product has recorded just 54 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and a dismal 34.7 Pro Football Focus (PFF) overall grade in 2024, ranking him 207th out of 219 eligible defensive tackles. His run-defense grades have hovered in the 30s, a far cry from the run-stopping force the Cowboys envisioned when drafting him.
Schottenheimer, known for his candid approach, addressed the media after Friday’s practice session. “Mazi’s been given ample opportunity to step up, but the results haven’t matched the potential,” he said. “If we don’t see a significant turnaround by the end of camp, it’s going to be tough to justify his place on the roster.” The warning underscores the pressure on Smith, whose inconsistent play has left the Cowboys’ interior defensive line vulnerable, contributing to their 30th-ranked run defense (48.0 PFF grade) last season.
The 2025 minicamp, which wrapped up on June 27, was a critical evaluation period for Smith. Competing with rookies like Jay Toia and veterans like Solomon Thomas, he failed to impress coaches with his technique and effort. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder recently labeled Smith the Cowboys’ “worst first-round pick” in five years, a sentiment echoed by fans on social media, where #MaziSmith and #CowboysDT trends reflect frustration.
Smith’s physical tools—6-foot-3, 337 pounds, and a top spot on The Athletic’s 2022 “Freaks” list—once had NFL scouts salivating. However, his inability to translate college success (49 tackles, 1.0 sack at Michigan in 2022) into NFL production has raised doubts. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein had cautioned that Smith might be overdrafted, a prediction that now seems prophetic.
Schottenheimer’s remarks suggest a potential trade or release looms if Smith doesn’t improve during training camp, slated for late July. “We need players who can perform when it counts,” the coordinator added, hinting at a shift in roster strategy. With the Cowboys aiming for a Super Bowl run, the pressure is on Smith to prove his worth or risk being sidelined.
For now, the 2023 first-rounder faces a defining moment. A turnaround could salvage his career in Dallas, but without a marked improvement, his $13 million contract might not secure his future with the team.
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