3 Cowboys who will be playing for their future jobs in Week 18 and playoffs
By Jerry Trotta
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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.