8 Cowboys that could be cut before taking a snap in 2021

Dorance Armstrong, Bradlee Anae – DE

Under former defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, defensive end Dorance Armstrong appeared to be an ascending player who quickly earned the trust of the new coaching staff. That led to the former fourth-rounder posting career-highs in defensive snaps (369) and special team snaps (287) in 2020. Unfortianly, Armstrong failed to record a single sack.

A new year brings a new defensive coordinator in Dan Quinn, a former defensive line coach himself. And the numerous additions made for his scheme this offseason by Dallas like the free-agent signings of defensive lineman like Tarell Basham and Brent Urban plus the drafting of young defenders like Chauncey Golston and Osa Odighizuwa likely means bad things for Armstrong’s future with America’s Team.

The same applies to Bradlee Anae as the 2020 fifth-rounder barely saw the field outside of special teams as a rookie. The touted pass rusher out of Utah played a total of just six defensive snaps last year.

Both Armstrong and Anae will have to impress Quinn this summer to earn a spot on the final roster. And they’ll have to do so over players that were acquired specifically for his new defensive scheme in Dallas. Make no mistake, both of these defenders face an uphill battle to make the final-53.