Twelve wins in the regular season didn’t mean much for the Dallas Cowboys in 2021 since they got knocked out of the playoffs in the opening round at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. Now, head coach Mike McCarthy is looking to take the next step, which could be challenging after some of the losses on the roster this offseason.
While players such as Amari Cooper, Randy Gregory, and Cedrick Wilson are all playing elsewhere in 2022, the Cowboys did add more talent at several positions. Although many were added to this roster before training camp, the front office eventually needs to decide on a final 53-man roster.
These three players run the risk of getting cut during training camp or preseason if they don’t perform to their top ability.
3 potential cuts for the Cowboys before Week 1
3. Tarell Basham, EDGE
Tarell Basham was an unheralded signing ahead of the 2021 season and while he didn’t make a massive impact, he did exactly what the Cowboys hoped he would. The former third-round pick played in all 17 games — which was huge considering the injuries suffered by Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence — with six starts.
He finished with a career-high 39 tackles and 3.5 sacks, which tied his highest output in a season. Basham was never a dominant force but he was steady. So why would he potentially be on the block after losing Gregory in free agency? That would be the addition of two new players who will be key contributors in 2022.
After losing Gregory, Dallas turned to Dante Fowler, Jr. in free agency. The former first-round pick is a journeyman but he’s worked with Dan Quinn before and isn’t too far removed from an 11.5 sack campaign in 2019 with the Los Angeles Rams. Fowler should be the starter across from Lawrence.
However, they also have rookie Sam Williams as a primary reserve. A second-round pick this season, Williams is very explosive and will be sharing time in a rotation with Chauncey Golston and Dorance Armstrong. That’s five players on the edge who are unlikely to be cut, which makes Basham the potential odd man out.