Dallas Cowboys: Is it 2020 or bust for these five defenders?

Tyrone Crawford, DE

For years, many fans have been trying to get rid of Tyrone Crawford. And that seemingly had little to do with his play and more with his massive salary. Earmarked by former defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli as the key piece to his scheme as a three-technique defensive tackle, Crawford inked a massive five-year, $45 million contract extension all the way back in September of 2015.

Every year since, Crawford’s name has been consistently mentioned as a potential cap casualty  as many feel his play has never equaled his pay. His best statistical season was in 2018 when he recorded 34 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.

The Cowboys have clearly valued the steady defensive lineman as a versatile plug-n-play piece at tackle or end and for his strong locker room presence. But turning 31-years old before the end of this season, Crawford enters the final year of that contract which is scheduled to pay out a base salary of $8 million.

Considering Crawford is coming off a season where a hip injury limited him to a total of 94 snaps over four games, the veteran defender has much to prove to a new coaching staff this season. But the loss of defensive end Robert Quinn to free agency and the unknowns surrounding new pass rusher Aldon Smith likely makes Crawford much too valuable to move on from before this season. But it could end up being his last in Dallas.