Dallas Cowboys early roster cuts and what they mean

How the Dallas Cowboys initial roster cuts will effect the final roster

Like all 32 NFL teams, the Dallas Cowboys are required to trim their roster down to 53 players by this Saturday at 4 p.m. EST. Each week of the season teams will be able to call up two extra players from the practice squad to form a 55-man unit.

That being said, practice squad hopefuls outside the final 53-man roster still have to be cut and clear waivers before Dallas can sign them to the squad. As always, it’s risky to send a promising player through waivers in hopes he’ll make it through.

As reported on The Landry Hat on Tuesday, Steven Mullenax listed the Cowboys’ first seven early roster cuts. Surprisingly, Dallas started the casualty count days before required. Often in the past it’s been done in one big deadline day slaughter.

Five of the cuts were expected. Yet two early ax jobs raised fan base eyebrows. After all, there were many pieces of fat to cut from the steak before these two. It’s likely Dallas wanted to provide the two competitors the best chance to land elsewhere.

TERMINATED TWO AND WHAT IT MEANS

DEVIN SMITH (WIDE RECEIVER)

Smith and Ventell Bryant were clearly battling for the sixth and final wide receiver spot. Last week I predicted both would make the six-man unit. Then to the disbelief of many, ‘Down Town’ Noah Brown caught fire and put the fifth spot on lock.

With Cedrick Wilson and Brown filing in behind the big three stars, there was only one spot left for either Smith or Bryant to snatch. Bryant seems to have already won out. Of course that’s if Dallas decided a sixth receiver is needed, which they likely have.

There were two team-friendly virtues he held over the speedy Smith. First, Dallas holds Bryant’s rights for two more seasons. Smith can enter free agency in 2021. More importantly, Bryant has solid special teams value, an area Smith was lacking.

Conclusion: Bryant has sewn up the sixth and final receiver spot. Or it’s possible Dallas is comfortable only showcasing the five man band of Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, Cedrick Wilson, and Noah Brown.

ADAM REDMOND (CENTER/GUARD)

Redmond’s early release was puzzling but understandable. A quality interior offensive lineman with respectable position flex is a valuable piece for most rosters.

Dallas knows he’ll never make it through waivers, this departure is real. Giants’ new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett probably soiled his Khakis trying to rush in a claim for Redmond upon hearing the news. His shoddy line is in need of help.

Like Smith, Redmond was entering his final season under contract. Also, Dallas has several versatile players who can play center and guard on this roster. Swing tackle Cameron Erving has played and started at both interior spots in the NFL.

Joe Looney, Connor McGovern, and Connor Williams are all able to flip around inside in a pinch. Rookie center Tyler Biadasz could probably play some guard as well.

Conclusion: Dallas believes the versatility of their backups affords the luxury of carrying only nine offensive linemen. Of course they will also keep an eye on the waiver wire to see if any upgrades appear, especially at tackle.