Dallas Cowboys: 3 players who could be a surprise offseason release

The Dallas Cowboys will have close to $54 million in cap space and big names ready for new contracts. So who could leave to make these decisions easier?

The Dallas Cowboys will finally have a salary cap surplus for the first time in years. Unfortunately, they have a star running back, quarterback, defensive end, and wide receiver who are looking for new contracts. If the Cowboys want to be able to pay them and keep a few of their key free agents some players might receive their walking papers.

First on the list is linebacker Sean Lee. Once known as the best player on the Cowboys defense when healthy, Lee’s hamstrings have made him a liability on the field. Having missed 14 games over the last two season and the emergence of linebackers Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch, Lee could be a cap casualty this offseason.

If the Dallas Cowboys cut Lee they would save $7 million in cap space and have $3 million in dead money next season.

Second on this list is defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford. Over the past two seasons, Crawford has been a consistent impact player for the Dallas Cowboys with 22 sacks and 180 tackles in his career but with the draft around the corner the Cowboys could release Crawford and find a player who could have the same production.

If the Dallas Cowboys cut Crawford they would save $5.9 million but would have $4.2 million in dead money next season.

Third on my list is offensive tackle La’el Collins. Collins has played well at the right tackle position but he still can’t handle quick defensive ends. With more teams drafting quality left defensive ends and Collins inability to handle those players could cause the Cowboys to draft or re-sign offensive tackle Cameron Fleming to deal with those players.

If the Dallas Cowboys cut Collins they would save $6.5 million and have $1.4 million in dead money next season.

Who do you think could be a surprise offseason release by the Dallas Cowboys? Tell us in the comment section below.