Cowboys waive RB Rod Smith; promote CB Leon McFadden

The Dallas Cowboys announced on Thursday afternoon that second-year running back Rod Smith has been waived from the team. They have not officially announced a corresponding roster move as of yet, but it is expected that cornerback Leon McFadden will be promoted from the practice squad.

The Seattle Seahawks originally signed Smith as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State in 2015 and he spent his first offseason with them. He also made his NFL debut with the Seahawks, as he was promoted to the active roster last October.

Unfortunately for Smith, after playing in one game he was released by Seattle, but the Cowboys claimed him on waivers the next day. He became the third-string running back for them after Joseph Randle was released in November. In total he’s been somewhat productive player in Dallas, appearing in 10 games and playing mainly a special teams role.

It’s also somewhat noteworthy that Rod Smith is the older brother of linebacker Jaylon Smith, who was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round this year out of Notre Dame.

McFadden, who will presumably take the now open roster spot, was just signed by the Cowboys a few weeks ago after working out for several different teams. At this point the former San Diego State product is a bit of a journeyman. In addition to the Cowboys, he’s played for the Browns, Jets, 49ers, Cardinals and Giants since joining the league in 2013.