Nobody had the Dallas Cowboys turning the page to the offseason after Wild Card Weekend, but here we are. Fans probably want to mute everything Cowboys related, but there's still so much noise and news surrounding the team in the aftermath of Sunday's 48-32 loss to the Packers.
First and foremost is sorting out their roster before the offseason. Signing players to reserve/futures contracts generally initiates the roster navigation journey and the Cowboys did just that on Wednesday.
The list features multiple familiar names who stood out in training camp last summer, including wide receiver Jalen Cropper and tight end Princeton Fant, as well as practice squad regulars Sheldrick Redwine and Earl Bostick Jr.
No name stands out more than Martavis Bryant, however. That's right, folks. The Bryant experiment isn't over, after all.
#Cowboys wide receiver Martavis Bryant traveled to Dallas today, signed his reserve-future deal 10 minutes ago, per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 17, 2024
Cowboys sign WR Martavis Bryant to reserve/futures contract
Bryant was signed to the Cowboys practice squad in early November after he was reinstated following an indefinite suspension from the league dating back to 2018. He was released after the new year to make room for La'el Collins. By all accounts, cutting Bryant was a difficult call by Dallas' front office.
Bryant made a strong impression with the Cowboys. He earned practice squad player of the week honors not long after signing. With the futures of Michael Gallup and Brandin Cooks uncertain, Bryant will look to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster.
With a full offseason to grasp the playbook and flash his athleticism, well, let's just say stranger things have happened in Dallas.
Media continues to expose Dan Quinn after Packers disaster
Remember when Dan Quinn was considered a hero in Dallas? Those days are long gone. In fact, Quinn might be public enemy No. 1 around these parts following the Cowboys' demoralizing playoff loss to the Packers on Sunday.
Quinn's defense allowed six touchdowns on Green Bay's first seven drives. The performance was a culmination of an inconsistent season; far and away Quinn's worst in three years as defensive coordinator.
In light of the loss, the media has unearthed some damning stats about Quinn's self-proclaimed elite defense. This one underlines just how much Quinn was out-schemed down the stretch of the season when Dallas' schedule stiffened up.
Dan Quinn has coached 55 games as the Cowboys' DC.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) January 16, 2024
6 of his worst 7 games by EPA per drive came this season.
5 of his worst 7 games by EPA per drive have come in the last 2.5 months.
Here's the facts: The Seahawks and Bills had their way with Quinn's unit and it gave up critical drives against the Dolphins and Lions. For whatever reason, Quinn insisted on playing prevent defense vs Miami and Detroit with the game on the line and they marched down the field. They followed that up by getting worked by the Packers.
Make no mistake: Quinn deserves the biggest share of the blame for the Cowboys collapse. We're not sure that's even disputable.
Stephon Gilmore played through torn labrum, will undergo surgery
Cowboys fans talk a lot about wanting more warriors on the team. Stephon Gilmore can't be questioned in that regard, as he played through a torn labrum on Sunday. He suffered the injury in Week 18 against the Commanders and popped it back into place to be ready to play against the Packers.
An impending free agent, Gilmore will undergo surgery this week. He wore a shoulder harness and played every defensive snap. Gilmore told the Dallas Morning News he would've continued playing through the tear if Dallas advanced in the playoffs.
It's unclear where Gilmore will play in 2024, but he had a strong season despite being thrust into a bigger role after Trevon Diggs' ACL tear. The dream of deploying Gilmore, Digg and Bland in the same secondary didn't come to fruition this year, but maybe next year if the front office has any interest. Like we said, this team needs more Stephon Gilmores.