3 Cowboys candidates to be cut going into the summer

There have been a lot of major changes already in the 2024 offseason for the Dallas Cowboys, so we shouldn't be caught off guard by just about any cuts that get made going forward. The departure of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn along with a host of in-house free agents this offseason has left the Cowboys with a lot of opportunity for players to step up and earn jobs.

Still, a number of notable names could be on the chopping block as we enter the summer months. With OTAs underway and training camp looming, which Cowboys players could be in danger of being cut this summer?

3 Cowboys who could be cut going into the summer

1. Trey Lance, quarterback

The Dallas Cowboys made a good move last offseason trading for former third overall pick Trey Lance in a deal with the San Francisco 49ers. Quarterbacks are the most valuable currency in the NFL, and to get a young player who is as talented and athletic as Lance for just a fourth-round pick is a worthwhile risk to take.

But the Cowboys were pretty clear with where Lance stood as of last year. Despite the opportunity to maybe even get him a package of plays as a weapon, Lance didn't play a single snap in his first year in Dallas.

Entering his second offseason with the team, it appears the pecking order with Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush on top is still pretty clear. This is a make-or-break offseason and preseason for Lance in 2024. Even if Lance makes strides in his development, a Prescott extension could result in Dallas cutting bait before Week 1.

2. Chauncey Golston, defensive line

It feels like the former third-round pick out of Iowa has entered the last couple of offseasons on the chopping block, but the Cowboys really have no reason to continue to cling to hope here if he doesn't perform in the 2024 preseason.

Chauncey Golston was a stud at Iowa and the Cowboys bought into the hype, investing the 84th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft in him. He played over 300 snaps last year and could be in line for an expanded role this year with all the losses the Cowboys have had to deal with this offseason, but if he's outplayed by young guys and street free agents, it will be the end of the line.

3. Nahshon Wright, cornerback

Even with Stephon Gilmore still sitting in free agency, the Cowboys have a pretty strong group of cornerbacks coming in that could push former third-round pick Nahshon Wright off the roster.

The Cowboys are getting Trevon Diggs back from injury this year, DaRon Bland is coming off of a breakout season, and the team brought back slot corner Jourdan Lewis. Even the possibility of Wright playing a versatile role defensively seems slim because of the team's depth at safety. He has the length to be a sound corner, but hasn't lived up to his potential for whatever reason.

The Cowboys have used a couple of late-round picks in the last two offseasons on Eric Scott Jr. and Caelen Carson. If those guys outplay Wright in the offseason, he'll be looking for work in the near future. Perhaps cornerback guru Mike Zimmer can work his magic with Wright, but time is running out for the fourth-year pro to prove his worh in Dallas.

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