5 Cowboys who could be entering their final season with the franchise in 2023

4. Cowboys CB Jourdan Lewis

When the Cowboys were looking to rebuild their secondary in the 2017 season, they added Chidobe Awuzie in the second round out of Colorado and Jourdan Lewis from Michigan in the third. Lewis has since developed into one of the more trusted veteran corners on the team and signed a three-year extension in 2021 while Awuzie left for Cincinnati.

Lewis then went out and proved Dallas right for their faith in him as he had 61 tackles and three picks — which were both career-highs. He was expected to do even more in 2022 but a Lisfranc injury put him on the shelf after just six games. He still did well in those appearances with 17 tackles, one sack, and a pick. But it was nothing compared to what rookie DaRon Bland accomplished.

With Lewis out, Bland stepped in and made eight starts for the Cowboys. A fifth-round pick from Fresno State (who also played for Sacramento State), Bland had 54 tackles, seven pass defenses, and five interceptions.

Looking ahead to this season, Lewis might have a hard time fending off the young player. Even if he does, it's not likely that he's going to get extended in the offseason.

Dallas could elect to save money, especially with contracts for Trevon Diggs and CeeDee Lamb expiring. Going with the younger Bland could help them, and knowing safety Israel Mukuamu can play in the slot as well will only make it easier to let Lewis walk in a cap-saving move.