4 Dallas Cowboys players who don’t deserve another season in 2023
By Randy Gurzi
![SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 22: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys hands off the ball to Ezekiel Elliott #21 against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 22: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys hands off the ball to Ezekiel Elliott #21 against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthelandryhat-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1458633692-850x560-0e94376439bf69ea040bf4e954c8ccc5298d1b14ec6c25d7e28e9eaf28eea024.jpg)
After having to watch their rivals win the NFC (but not the Super Bowl!), the Dallas Cowboys know they have some work to do in order to take their next step in 2023. There will be some tough decisions when it comes to free agents, as well as some veterans under contract that no longer perform up to the level they’re paid.
Here we dive into the roster and identify three players who don’t deserve to come back in 2023 as Dallas looks to get beyond the Divisional Round for the first time since 1995.
4 Dallas Cowboys who don’t deserve another season in 2023
4. Josh Ball, Offensive Tackle
When the Cowboys took offensive tackle Josh Ball in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, there was some kickback. Ball was originally a part of the Florida State program but wound up leaving when accused of dating violence.
He was never charged but still headed to Butler Community College for one season before transferring to Marshall. Even with the red flags, the Cowboys felt they landed a potential starter down the road.
Now after two seasons, that feels like a pipe dream. Dallas tried to turn to Ball when Tyron Smith was injured this preseason and he was beyond lost. His issues in both the run game and pass blocking led to the coaching staff making a desperation play for 40-year-old Jason Peters — and they had to kick rookie Tyler Smith out to left tackle.
The study on RT 75-Josh Ball today reveals plenty of issues at the snap. Lunging and balance are not good. They need him to be their swing tackle, but lots of troubling signs vs the Chargers - especially in the run game. pic.twitter.com/gEWTL1xKnO
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) August 21, 2022
Looking ahead to 2023, the Cowboys will need a better swing tackle and there’s really no reason to continue with Ball after what he showed.