Dallas Cowboys: Thank you for everything Orlando Scandrick

With defensive back Orlando Scandrick seeking a release, we look back at the cornerback’s career with the Dallas Cowboys. Is it over for the fifth rounder?

It’s time to say goodbye to a gem from the 2008 NFL Draft class. We knew this day would come. Dallas Cowboys defensive back, Orlando Scandrick, at the age of 31, is asking for a release.

Scandrick, a timepiece from the Wade Phillips era, was drafted 143rd overall (fifth round) in the 2008 NFL Draft. The Boise State product served his entire professional career as a Dallas Cowboy, playing in 125 regular season games.

If his time in Big D is indeed over, he will have amassed 406 tackles and eight picks with Dallas. A consistent player with the Cowboys, the five-foot-ten corner started 69 games from 2008 to 2017. He also had seven forced fumbles, 64 passes defended, and 11.5 sacks.

Scandrick was a steal in the fifth round, considering he sealed the slot for years, and played that role well. Now, his time in Big D is all but over.

And while I wouldn’t put number 32 on a billboard of brilliant players who never won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys, Scandrick still deserves praise. Scandrick was asked to play one of the hardest positions in the sport. While injuries racked up over the years, it’s clear his body couldn’t keep up with the demands on the turf.

Which leads us to the current predicament. The Cowboys have revamped their secondary with youth, purging older players and fat contracts. It was only a matter of time before Scandrick was next on the chopping block. In fact, the Cowboys explored a possible trade with the New Orleans Saints this time last year.

Ultimately, Scandrick stayed in Dallas, starting 11 games and earning 38 tackles.

Last year, the Dallas Cowboys spent four of their nine picks on the secondary. Defensive back Byron Jones, a former first rounder, will head back to the cornerback spot in 2018. And, the Cowboys might not be done drafting for the secondary in 2018 either.

This leaves Scandrick as the odd man out, unfortunately. He may head to New Orleans. He may stay in the NFC East. Who knows?

Regardless, the Cowboys are in full youth mode now. The backbone of the secondary is now led by Jourdan Lewis, Chidobe Awuzie and Xavier Woods. Not one of the trio is over 23 years of age. All are entering their second season as a pro.

Next: Dallas Cowboys - Three free agents that make sense

While we wave with one hand to Orlando Scandrick, we use the other to hold onto the future. As one of the best slot corners to play for the Dallas Cowboys, simply put, I have just this to say: Thank you.