3 Cowboys who may have played their final snap
The Dallas Cowboys‘ offseason is in full swing. And with free agency scheduled to kick off next month, the focus shifts to addressing need on their roster.
While the future of names like quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive end Aldon Smith in Dallas will undoubtedly dominate headlines, there are a handful of Cowboys who may have played their final snap in the NFL.
Sean Lee, LB
A two-time Pro Bowler and former second-round selection out of Penn State, the career of veteran linebacker Sean Lee is one of lost potential. Lee flashed that potential in 2016 after posting a career-high 145 tackles and 12 tackles for loss as a 15-game starter. He was named a first-team All-Pro that season.
Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Lee in Dallas, damaging what could have been a Hall of Fame ending. He’s missed 16 games in just the last three years alone and many more over his 11-year career.
Now 34-years old, Lee is considering retirement this offseason. If he does hang up the cleats, he will likely remain on the sidelines as he appears destined to find a second career in the NFL as a coach.
Tyrone Crawford, DL
The career of defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford in Dallas has been one of constant criticism from fans. That after Crawford inked a massive six-year, $45.6 million contract in 2015 to be the centerpiece of the then Rod Marinelli-defense.
Yet, Crawford’s play never lived up to his lofty salary averaging less than three sacks per season, and never recording more than 5.5 sacks in a single year. That made him an easy target for both fans and the media.
Despite the public outcry, Crawford was able to carve out a niche for himself as a utility player across the defensive line, filling in wherever he was needed. Following double hip surgery last offseason, and after playing out the entirety of the abovementioned contract, Crawford is reportedly considering retirement.
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L.P. Ladouceur, LS
One of the oldest players in the NFL at the age of 39, Louis-Philippe Ladouceur has been a stalwart of the Cowboys’ special teams unit as a long snapper since 2005. His importance to every facet of the kicking game is immense. Ladouceur also owns the record for the most NFL games played by a Canadian (253).
And while there is no indication Ladouceur will elect to retire this offseason, you have to believe it’s a consideration every season based on his age alone. That’s likely why he’s signed a series of one-year contracts over the last three seasons.