The Landry Hat
Fansided

Dallas Cowboys: Damien Wilson arrest spotlights offseason minefield

By Steven Mullenax

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 23: Linebacker Damien Wilson #57 of the Dallas Cowboys works to get in on a tackle against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of a preseason game on August 23, 2015 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won 23-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 23: Linebacker Damien Wilson #57 of the Dallas Cowboys works to get in on a tackle against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of a preseason game on August 23, 2015 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won 23-6. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The arrest of Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker Damien Wilson should place a spotlight on the giant minefield of trouble players must avoid in the offseason.

No news is good news during the NFL regular season. Unfortunately, there is news about Dallas Cowboys‘ linebacker Damien Wilson.

According to Pro Football Talk, Wilson was arrested in Frisco, Texas on Tuesday and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. So what does this mean for the future of the 24-year old in Dallas?

Although details about the arrest are currently thin, this terrible news certainly puts the NFL career of the former 2015 fourth round selection out of Minnesota in jeopardy. Wilson had a real opportunity to play a significant role for the Cowboys this season as many believed he’d be the team’s starter at strongside linebacker come September.

Last year, Wilson was expected to compete for a starting role in Dallas. But an eye injury that he sustained while playing paintball in the offseason delayed his development as he was forced to sit out a portion of training camp. At least that incident could be chalked up as being accidental.

Wilson started six games for the Cowboys in 2016. He posted 34 tackles, half a sack and had one pass defend. Wilson played approximately 26% of the team’s total defensive snaps last season. But he did post 340 snaps on special teams, only second to safety Jeff Heath.

The Cowboys current depth chart consists of projected starters Anthony Hitchens and Sean Lee. The health progress of former second round draft pick Jaylon Smith following a devastating knee injury he suffered in college will be closely watched through training camp and the preseason. It’s unclear how much Smith will be able to contribute this season.

Also on the depth chart are veterans Kyle Wilber and Mark Nzeocha. Both would see a much bigger role if Wilson is unable to play this year. The biggest beneficiary of this latest news might be futures signee John Lotulelei, who has performed well this offseason and could back-up Lee on the weakside.

Depending upon the outcome of Wilson’s arrest, the Cowboys could ultimately decide to part ways with the talented linebacker. If so, it would leave the door open for Dallas to acquire another linebacker via free agency to help fill the void. Two of the more popular names to do so will likely be former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Zach Orr and former Arizona Cardinals’ pass rusher Daryl Washington.

Next: Dallas Cowboys - The five most dangerous QBs they’ll face

Unfortunately, the arrest of Damien Wilson only places a bigger spotlight on the troubled minefield that the NFL offseason can be for players. And one they must all avoid. This latest news only further demonstrates how one misstep can possibly cost you a career.

Home/Cowboys News