When you examine the Dallas roster in contrast to the end of last season, things certainly have improved in some troublesome areas. Entering the year, the Cowboys needed to enhance the safety and linebacker positions. The Cowboys had their prayers answered when Caleb Downs fell to them in the draft, and he has been good as advertised.
The linebacker position also appears better with a healthy DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters, and surprise rookie Jaishawn Barham. Furthermore, the Cowboys have good depth in other areas, making roster cuts at the end of the summer difficult. Yearly, the Cowboys make their trim to 53 players, and it raises a stir as some pet cats are thrown out to waivers and cuts raise an eyebrow.
Fast forward to this season, and the question sparks anew. Who might the Cowboys cut that would surprise us?
Luke Schoonmaker
Cutting a second-round pick for nothing in return should cause a stir. So maybe the Cowboys trade him. But if they can’t cut a deal, they may have to cut the player.
The Cowboys just lost a tight end to injury for the season after Princeton Fant was placed on injured reserve. Yet, Brevyn Spann-Ford has seemingly made enough progress for the Cowboys to rid themselves of Schoonmaker.
Spann-Ford has made plays during training camp and also caught a touchdown during the scrimmage against the Los Angeles Rams. He is clearly the best blocker out of the tight end group on the team, with just enough athleticism to provide an option as a pass catcher in spurts.
With both in the final year of their contracts, Spann-Ford seems like the the likelier choice to hold a spot on the roster as of now. Beyond that, Michael Trigg is starting to demonstrate his skills as a mismatch for smaller defenders. Cutting (or trading) Schoonmaker would give Dallas a tight end group that has Jake Ferguson and Spann-Ford locked, plus one of the trio of Trigg, D.J. Rogers or the newly-arrived Zack Kuntz.
Nate Thomas
My, how things have changed. At one point during the offseason, Nate Thomas was competing with Tyler Guyton for starting left tackle spot. Now that Guyton has won the job, Thomas could very well be on the outs with the team. Thomas is now more likely competing with Drew Shelton in a battle where, politically, the battle may already be over.
It would be unlikely that the Cowboys part with a player they just selected in the fourth round. Shortly after the draft, coach Schottenheimer spoke very highly of Shelton, and even though he has started on a rough patch, that was to be expected. However, that can’t explain why Nate Thomas hasn’t looked markedly better than the rookie.
Although, Thomas has occupied the swing tackle spot in the past, Ajani Cornelius looks to be on track to make the team. Dallas could look to another veteran on the free agent market since outside of the starting five, the Cowboys don’t have much proven depth. Thomas also wasn’t very good in his outings last season. He ranked dead last among qualified tackles in pass protection per PFF.com, allowing 23 quarterback pressures.
James Houston
James Houston has provided the Cowboys with a solid option for depth as a reserve edge rusher, and the transition to standup linebacker suits his talents well. The Cowboys struggled with the pass rush last season, but Houston’s 5.5 sacks were more than a welcome addition. So why? Why would the Cowboys elect to drop Houston after the preseason?
In short, it’s a numbers game. Newcomer Rashan Gary will occupy a starting spot as will second-year player Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Dallas took Malachi Lawrence in the first round. Plus, Sam Williams returned to the team and has had a very good training camp.
Ultimately, the Houston decision comes down to potential and versatility. LT Overton has done well as a run defender in Oxnard, and Marist Liufau has shown the willingness to do whatever is asked of him, whether he is playing as an outside linebacker and occasionally roaming to an off-ball linebacker. Pluse, he can help on special teams.
While it would raise an eyebrow, Dallas cutting Houston to keep Liufau and Overton could make sense.