Did the Dallas Cowboys make some head-scratching decisions on cutdown day? We’re breaking down the surprising roster moves that could haunt them later this season. From questionable retentions to unexpected releases, find out which players they might already regret keeping. Will these mistakes be rectified in time, or will they define the season?
The recent Dallas Cowboys cutdown day has sparked significant debate, with several roster decisions raising eyebrows and potentially setting the stage for future regrets. While the immediate focus is on assembling a 53-man squad, a deeper NFL Player Analysis reveals critical choices that could impact the team’s performance and playoff aspirations. These controversial NFL Roster Moves highlight the precarious balance between potential and proven performance, and how quickly perceptions can shift.
In the quarterback room, the retention of Dak Prescott alongside Joe Milton seems straightforward, with Will Grier signing to the practice squad as an emergency option. The running back corps, featuring Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, also saw the retention of Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Hunter Luepke. However, questions linger about Sanders’ long-term roster security, particularly once Mafah returns from injured reserve, adding a layer of uncertainty to the early season.
A primary point of contention on offense revolves around the wide receiver position, where the Dallas Cowboys controversially chose to keep Jalen Tolbert over a promising alternative. Despite Tolbert’s better numbers last year as the WR2, his preseason performance was notably underwhelming. This decision, a key Cowboys Cutdown Day blunder, could prove costly if starting receivers like CeeDee Lamb or George Pickens face injuries, leaving the team vulnerable with less effective depth.
The tight end group includes Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Brevyn Spann-Ford. Schoonmaker, now in his third year, faces a pivotal season to demonstrate significant improvement. His failure to consistently perform could see Spann-Ford ascend to the TE2 role much earlier than anticipated, underscoring the pressure on young players to meet expectations in the competitive NFL.
While the offensive line selections, particularly after the trade of Asim Richards, appear sound, veteran Terence Steele must elevate his game to secure his future with the team. On the defensive side, the perennial brilliance of Micah Parsons continues to overshadow any potential trade discussions, though the retention of Mazi Smith on the defensive line has generated considerable skepticism among those scrutinizing the Dallas Cowboys’ strategic choices.
Indeed, the retention of Mazi Smith represents a significant defensive miscalculation on Cowboys Cutdown Day. Both Jay Toia and Perrion Winfrey arguably outplayed Smith during the preseason, with Smith’s lone tackle against the Falcons widely attributed to a defensive lapse by the opposition. This decision, a critical NFL Roster Moves oversight, poses a risk to the team’s defensive interior depth and effectiveness.
The linebacker unit, featuring Kenneth Murray, Jack Sanborn, Marist Liufau, Damone Clark, and Shemar James, will face adjustments upon DeMarvion Overshown’s return in November. Meanwhile, the defensive backfield has already seen fluidity with the releases of Zion Childress and Andrew Booth, making way for cornerbacks Trikweze Bridges and Reddy Stewart. Caelen Carson’s start on injured reserve further highlights the dynamic nature of these crucial roster spots.
Despite these contentious decisions, the Dallas Cowboys can rely on a rock-solid special teams unit, anchored by the consistent performances of kicker Brandon Aubrey, punter Bryan Anger, and long snapper Trent Sieg. Their stability offers a reassuring constant amid the swirling questions surrounding other areas of the roster. Ultimately, the success of these NFL Roster Moves will be judged by the team’s performance on the field, with the potential for costly regrets looming large.
