3 Cowboys who should definitely be cut after preseason finale

The Dallas Cowboys have wrapped up the preseason with a 1-2 record. While it does not mean anything, coaches are always evaluating. The final game against the Chargers looked like the Cowboys might be able to finish strong with a win, but three fourth quarter interceptions thrown by Trey Lance did them in. It gave Lance five interceptions for the game.

Dallas has been know in recent years to use the preseason to evaluate backup players as opposed to prioritize winning. Several backups actually played well in the finale, but some are looking at cut day with more anxiety than last week. These three in particular sealed their fate before Tuesday's all-important roster deadline.

3 Cowboys who will definitely be cut after preseason finale

3. TE John Stephens Jr.

John Stephens came into camp this year as a favorite to make the edge of the roster or practice squad after a standout preseason last year before his injury. Unfortunately, he could not replicate his performance in any of the three games.

The Cowboys' tight end room is already packed with Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker expected to be the starters while Peyton Hendershot has been battling injuries but still looks like the best third option. With only so many spots on offense, Stephens likely looks like the odd man out.

For the preseason, Stephens had eight catches for 75 yards. Despite receiving a decent amount of playing time, Stephens did nothing impressive. The final nail in his coffin at becoming a member of this team came at the end of the first half of the Chargers' game.

With less than two minutes in the half and only down by seven, Stephens caught a pass over the middle and ran past midfield to at least give the team an opportunity for a field goal. Unfortunately, he fumbled the ball, the Chargers recovered and kicked a field goal to up by ten at halftime.

It might not have meant much in a preseason game, but for Stephens it was a mistake he could not make in that situation. Dallas will likely keep the three tight ends they had last year on the 53 and may put one on the practice squad. That does not look like it will be Stephens after Saturday.

2. DT Albert Huggins

An NFL training camp is always a numbers game. There are only so many spots on the team. For Albert Huggins, there just appears to be no room for him. The Cowboys have been very active signing free agents since the start of camp. While Huggins was one of those signings, they have since found better help.

Dallas traded for Jordan Phillips a few days after brining in Huggins and just this week agreed to terms with Linval Joseph. Both Phillips and Joseph will make the team. With Mazi Smith expected to play a lot this year as part of the rotation and Osa Odighizuwa, the best defensive tackle on the team, the odds do not look good for Huggins.

Huggins has definitely logged the miles in the NFL. Since going undrafted in 2019, he has been a part of eight teams. He had two stints with the Eagles and Lions. All other seven teams moved on. For a player on the edge of the roster and five years into his career, this could be Huggins' last stop.

Huggins did not stand out in the preseason finale, only registering one tackle. It does not help that Huggins was kicked out of practice last week after he shoved a Rams staffer. With the new depth the team now has on this defensive line, Huggins will most likely be cut when the coaches narrow down this roster.

1. OT Matt Waletzko

It is time to close the book on Waletzko's Cowboy career. Waletzko was drafted in the fifth round in 2022 with the hope that he could develop into a swing tackle. Through three full preseasons and only four regular season game appearances, it is time for Dallas to move on for good.

Waletzko got to start the final preseason game and was lined up at right tackle. He committed a holding penalty on the offense's second drive and was called again for holding in the fourth quarter. Waletzko saw plenty of playing time in the first two exhibitions, but this game was a huge opportunity to play his way into a roster spot and he might now be on the outside looking in.

Overall, the Cowboys expected more of Waletzko when they drafted him, but have constantly had to bring in more tackles. Waletzko came in with question marks when he was drafted and those reservations have been justified the last two preseasons. With Asim Richards making strides in his development, it is hard to imagine Dallas finding a place on the roster for Waletzko.

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