Dallas Cowboys release Orlando Scandrick; What’s his legacy?
The Dallas Cowboys granted the wish of longtime veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick on Saturday, releasing him to become a free agent.
In the modern NFL, it’s often rare when a fifth round selection makes an NFL active roster. It’s nearly unheard of for that same late round selection to play ten years for the same team. But that’s exactly what Dallas Cowboys veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick has accomplished. Unfortunately, Scandrick will not play his 11th season in Dallas.
On Saturday, the Cowboys designated the 31-year old defender a post-June 1st cut. By doing so, Dallas will clear almost $3 million of salary cap space following that date in just under three months.
Scandrick himself asked to be released by the Cowboys last Monday, two days prior to the start of NFL free agency. Dallas has presumably been pursuing trades ever since, trying to get something of value in exchange for the starting corner. Ultimately, Dallas decided to grant Scandrick’s request, releasing him and allowing him now to sign with any team as an unrestricted free agent.
As a former fifth round selection out of Boise State in 2008, Scandrick has always played with a massive chip on his shoulder For several seasons, he was viewed as the Cowboys’ top defender, or at least one of them. Scandrick’s best year came in 2013, when he recorded career-highs in both tackles (64) and pass defends (12). He also recorded two interceptions that season.
Despite his exploits in the Cowboys’ secondary for the past decade, Scandrick received little acclaim outside of Big D. A better cover corner and blitzer than a true playmaker, the veteran defender only has eight career interceptions. Scandrick was nominated to the All-Pro Second team in 2014.
Scandrick’s rising career in Dallas was cut short following a devastating knee injury, in which he tore both the ACL and MCL in his right knee. That injury robbed him of his entire 2015 season. Scandrick hasn’t appear to be the same player ever since, recording a disappointing 32 combined tackles and three pass defends in 11 games last year.
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Although many will remember cornerback Orlando Scandrick for his feisty-style of play, competitiveness and longevity, his average statistics and complete lack of Pro Bowl nominations make him an unlikely Ring of Honor candidate. His legacy with the Cowboys is likely one of an underdog who never reached his full potential.