3 reasons the Cowboys should keep free agent WR Cedrick Wilson
The Dallas Cowboys have 23 players set to hit free agency in March. With many of their key stars about to hit the market, this roster may look very different next year.
One unrestricted free agent on the list is wide receiver Cedrick Wilson. Wilson was a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft going to the Cowboys at 208th overall. The Boise State product is currently on a one-year, $2.1 million contract with Dallas. It’s not easy to be a wide receiver on the Cowboys roster. With their WR trio of Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup, other receivers often get overshadowed.
Wilson, however, did not. He had a career year in only his third season in the NFL. The 26-year-old ended the year with 45 receptions for 602 yards and six touchdowns. Like his teammate Dalton Schultz, Wilson picked the right time to have a breakout season.
We entered the season wondering what kind of contract Michael Gallup would get in free agency. Let's change that - What kind of contract will Cedrick Wilson (two TDs tonight) get? He's going to do well financially.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) January 9, 2022
With the Cowboys sitting at third-worst in terms of cap space in the NFL, Jerry Jones and his front office are going to have a very hard time with their free agents this offseason. Given that there are some high-profile names on the list, Wilson would be someone the Cowboys should really consider re-signing.
Here are 3 reasons why the Dallas Cowboys SHOULD re-sign free agent WR Cedrick Wilson
3. His Ability to Step Up In A Variety of Situations
As we mentioned, it’s far from easy to be WR No. 4 behind a list of three stellar receivers. But, when Wilson was called upon, he delivered. All three members of the WR Trio spent time on the sidelines this season due to both injuries and COVID. Wilson was there to take everyone’s place and it led to him having a career year.
For example, after Gallup tore his ACL in the Week 17 matchup against the Cardinals, Wilson caught all five of his targets, scored a touchdown, completed a two-point conversion, and threw a pass that night. He was doing it all for Dallas. It’s not easy to replace a guy like Gallup, and Wilson did a great job.
Wilson is the kind of player where whether you need him to return punts, replace one of your starters, or take action in a trick play, he will be there. Versatility is always a plus in any player.
Cowboys WR Cedrick Wilson has caught a touchdown, a 2-point conversion and five other balls in addition to completing a pass for 31 yards
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) January 3, 2022
It’s Cedrick’s world, we’re all just living in itpic.twitter.com/XcNs8zSlUb
When Wilson played in Game 18, he continued to excel with two touchdowns and 119 receiving yards. Even though you can argue that Wilson may not be worthy of a starting spot if Lamb, Gallup, and Cooper are healthy, having a young gun that you know can step up under pressure in a variety of scenarios is a huge plus.