Cowboys Make Their Final Cuts; Could Add More Depth Soon

Whoever said the first cut was the deepest wasn’t talking about football. It’s the final cuts that are always the most gut-wrenching in the NFL. It’s the time when the players, who are talented and show enough potential to make the team, are released into free agency.

Aug 4, 2013; Canton, OH, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Michael Egnew (84) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Brandon Magee (46) in the second quarter of the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame game at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday, the Dallas Cowboys had to throw a few of their talented players back into the ocean themselves. Dallas trimmed down their roster from 75 players to just 53, as mandated by the NFL. That official list has now been turned into league offices’ and released to the media. And there were some minor surprises, especially considering the Cowboys lack of depth in several key positions. But I also suspect Dallas still has a little fishing to do as well.

First, here’s the entire list of players released today:

QB Alex Tanney, RB Kendial Lawrence, WR Anthony Armstrong, WR Tim Benford, LB Thaddeus Gibson, LB Taylor Reed, CB Sterling Moore, S Jakar Hamilton, T Edawn Coughman, T Demetress Bell, CB  Xavier Brewer, DT Jerome Long, DE Jabari Fletcher, LB Caleb McSurdy, LB Cameron Lawrence, G Ray Dominguez, WR Danny Coale, DE Jason Vega, CB Micah Pellerin, LB Brandon Magee and C/G Kevin Kowalski.

Surprises

Cornerback Sterling Moore was a minor surprise. Although I did predict he would be cut in an earlier article, the Cowboys lack of depth in the secondary and Moore’s special teams play warranted serious consideration at least. But the emergence of rookie corner B.W. Webb made Moore expendable. Looks like Cowboys will go with 0nly four corners this season. This move was most likely made simply due to the lack of depth at other key positions. Moore is too talented not to be picked up on waivers.

Considering their lack of depth (and talent) at offensive guard, it was surprising to see Kevin Kolwalski’s name here. But his latest injury didn’t help his cause any. Kolwalski has always been a very hard-nosed worker. I guess that wasn’t enough to make the team again this season.

LB Brandon Magee was a name I was a bit surprised by. Especially since the Cowboys guaranteed him $70,000 to sign with them as an undrafted free agent. But the emergence of fellow rookie DeVonte Holloman overshadowed Magee’s play, when he did play. He missed the final two games of the preseason with a concussion, which certainly hurt him here.

More Fishing

There were several interesting names floating around the league-wide cut list today. Obviously, the Cowboys are looking for defensive tackle help. I wouldn’t mind bringing in some offensive guard help as well.

DT Jaye Howard is one of those interesting names. The 2012 fourth round pick by the Seattle Seahawks was released today. The 6’3, 300 lb Howard has the body-type to play defensive tackle in the NFL, but only appeared in two games in his rookie season. He was known for disrupting offenses while at Florida and had a decent outing at the Senior Bowl. Still , it’s a mystery way Seattle would give up so early on him. Maybe they know something we don’t.