3 Cowboys who will be playing for their future jobs in Week 18 and playoffs

2. LB Damone Clark

Unfortunately, Damone Clark's lack of development this season has Cowboys fans ravenous for another linebacker. Ideally, the team will draft an off-ball LB in the middle rounds in April, but there are multiple quality players set to hit free agency, including Titans standout Azeez Al-Shaiir.

Clark has all of the tools to become a good linebacker. At this point in his career, though, he's indecisive and that's a death sentence for the position. It allows blockers to get upfield, as we saw against Buffalo and Miami, and puts defensive linemen in a no-win situation.

Maybe Clark isn't cut out to lead the second level of a defense. It stands to reason his career will take off if the Cowboys get an impact LB in the door. Patrick Queen was a liability until the Ravens traded for All-Pro Roquan Smith. Perhaps an Al-Shaiir or someone of that ilk could have a similar impact on Clark's development.

Whether it be through the draft or free agency, it feels like a given that the Cowboys will add a linebacker in the offseason. Clark is under contract for 2024 and will be part of the LB room, but whether he returns as a starter could hinge on his performance in the Week 18 finale and the playoffs.