Dallas Cowboys: 5 players who may be gone in 2019
Following a successful season in Big D, here are five players who may have already played their final game for the Dallas Cowboys.
The Dallas Cowboys were two wins away from a Super Bowl appearance in 2018. After finishing the regular season as the NFC East champions with a 10-6 record, Dallas promptly defeated the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Unfortunately, the Cowboys were unable to get a postseason victory on the road against the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. Now, those same Rams are headed to Super Bowl LIII to face off against the New England Patriots. And the Cowboys are once again forced to watch the big game from home.
Now the focus shifts to 2019 for Dallas to prepare for another run at hoisting a Lombardi Trophy. The first order of business is deciding which of the Cowboys’ upcoming free agents will be re-signed and who will be allowed to test free agency in March.
With monster contract extensions likely coming for players like defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott and cornerback Byron Jones; there will have to be some tough roster decisions made this offseason.
Here are six Cowboys players who might have already played their last game for Dallas.
Cole Beasley, WR
This one will be tough for fans to swallow. But the fact is Cole Beasley is a free agent. And considering the talent the Cowboys currently have at wide receiver, his age (30 in April), his price tag ($4.25 million in 2018) and the availability of slot receivers around the league and in the draft; Beasley could be allowed to test the free agent market come March.
If Beasley does re-sign in Dallas, expect it to be on a very team-friendly contract. But chances are other NFL teams will be willing to pay more for his services. The New England Patriots are calling …
David Irving, DT
David Irving is undoubtedly a very talented pass rusher. And that means the Cowboys are willing to be patient with him as he works out his various issues. But starting two straight seasons with four-game suspensions, his recent injury history and off-the-field troubles have resulted in the 25-year old defender playing in only 10 total games in the past two years.
At some point the Cowboys patience will run out. That may very well be this offseason.
Rod Smith, RB
The brother of linebacker Jaylon Smith has risen through the ranks in Dallas. From fringe player to fullback to key special teamer and primary back-up to running back Ezekiel Elliott. Now, Rod Smith has an opportunity to test free agency. I think most fans would be happy if the Cowboys opted to re-sign Smith instead.
But based on his 2.9 yards per carry average in 2018, I believe Dallas could find a better backup running back option in free agency or via the draft. Possibly a change of pace speedster to pair with Elliott rather than the former fullback in Smith.
Jamize Olawale, FB
He dropped a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts. Need I say more? Okay then. Olawale will be 30-years old in May and earned $1.64 million in 2018. He recorded just two catches for 13 yards at a position many consider to be obsolete in the modern NFL.
Next. Top 10 Undrafted Free Agents in Dallas Cowboys History. dark
Geoff Swaim, TE
Finally, there’s tight end Geoff Swaim. I personally hope the Cowboys re-sign Swaim as the former seventh rounder has exceeded expectations and filled-in admirably for a retired Jason Witten last season. But the emergence of Blake Jarwin and the draft investment made into Dalton Schultz may make Swaim expendable in the eyes of the front office.