The mayhem of the Dallas Cowboys' final cuts is mostly behind us, but it's not over just yet.
While all teams reduced their rosters to 53 players on Sunday, not everyone who has a job today should feel safe. Waiver claims, trade talks, and other processes are in the works that could change things before the NFL starts fully preparing for Week 1.
Here are four Cowboys who survived Sunday's bloody business for now, but may soon join the thousand-plus players looking for another way to continue their NFL dream.
4 Cowboys who may not last until Week1 despite making initial 53-man roster
Ameer Speed - CB or Alijah Clark - S
Dallas went long in the secondary, keeping five cornerbacks and six safeties. This was especially surprising given that rookie cornerback Devin Moore wasn't among them. While many thought Moore could be stashed on the roster for development, Dallas able to get him on IR with a groin injury he suffered in camp.
Without Moore, 10 defensive backs made more sense. Especially given the versatility of safeties like Clark, Caleb Downs, and P.J. Locke, the current count feels excessive.
When you consider that Dallas only has four linebackers on the roster right now, or just three running backs, including Hunter Luepke, you have to wonder how long this seeming imbalance stands.
If the Cowboys are looking to add another depth option at LB or RB, or some other position, one of Speed or Clark getting axed feels likely. Either of them would probably get to the practice squad, and having so many DBs on the roster means one of them probably wouldn't dress for games anyway.
Given how many potential slot defenders Dallas has already, Clark feels more likely to get cut. Speed gives them a better option to play outside corner, which is where they need the depth a little more.
Tyrus Wheat - OLB
Wheat making the team over Sam Williams is a bit stunning, but the bigger surprise to me is that they kept six total outside linebackers.
After the Von Miller signing, it didn't seem like any of Wheat, Williams, or Marist Liufau would make it. After all, you already have James Houston as a great additional backup, and you've got players like L.T. Overton and Jaishawn Barham who could take snaps at edge.
Right now, this feels more about special teams than the pass-rush rotation. Wheat could easily be supplanted if a new addition, such as at ILB, can handle duties on kickoffs and punts.
Camden Brown - WR
You're going to hate me for this one, but it's just being realistic.
Many teams will keep a player on the 53 initially, hoping to sneak them through the bulk of waivers and practice squad formations, and then send them down a week or so later. That could very well be Dallas' intention with Brown.
Let's face it, Mingo won the WR5 job. That was evident when he sat out the preseason finale, and from everything Brian Schottenheimer's been saying about him. Special teams work is huge here, and Mingo's taken this critical point in the roster battle.
As a sixth WR without a clear special teams role, Brown might not even dress for games. Dallas can only have so many inactives, especially with OT Drew Shelton likely staying in street clothes this year.
Of course, we could be totally wrong about any and all of these players' futures. This isn't a prediction that they will be cut over the next week, just looking at who the most likely candidates are if the Cowboys bring in new talent. Dallas has been aggressive all offseason, so no reason to think it won't continue over the next several days.
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