4 players the Dallas Cowboys shouldn’t re-sign in 2021

Xavier Woods, S

For years, the safety position in Dallas has been the center of heavy fan debate. Despite highly-investing in nearly every other position on their roster, safety has been the one most ignored both in the draft and free agency by this team.

Last season, two former sixth-round selections started most of the Cowboys’ games at safety. Those players being Xavier Woods and Donovan Wilson. While the latter is viewed as an up-and-coming defender in Dallas, the other is not. And Woods is set to hit free agency.

The very definition of mediocre, Woods has played just well enough to earn consideration as a reserve. But as a starter, his lack of any sort of playmaking ability and inconsistency as both a run defender and in coverage makes him a liability. And one the Cowboys should pass on re-signing.

Last season, Pro Football Focus gave Woods an overall grade of  61.9 for his performance, the lowest grade of his four-year career. That after he allowed 18 receptions on 24 targets and failed to notch a single interception.

While new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn may be tempted to retain a veteran like Woods in an already thin secondary, the Cowboys could likely find players who possess much higher upside in either free agency or the draft.