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By Jon Machota Feb 22, 2021
Looking for a new way to break down the Cowboys’ roster this time of year, I really liked what my colleague Jeff Zrebiec, who covers the Baltimore Ravens for The Athletic, put together recently.
It’s a four-category evaluation of where the roster sits heading into free agency.
Here’s how it’s broken down.
The “core returners” are players expected back to be starters or have key reserve roles in 2021. The “back-end bubble guys” are the players who will have to earn a roster spot. The “decision pending” category is mostly for free agents. “Likely gone” is for players not expected to return next season.
Having several new pieces on the defensive coaching staff makes some of these projections more difficult, but here’s how I have split the players into groups.
(Pending free agents are designated with their status in parentheses)
Core returners
Dorance Armstrong, DE: His playing time has increased each of his first three seasons on defense and special teams. That should continue in Year 4.
Tyler Biadasz, C: He’s expected to take over the starting center spot after starting four games and playing in 12 as a rookie.
Anthony Brown, CB: If the season started today, Brown would be a starter. That could remain the case even after free agency and the draft. At the very least, he will provide valuable depth and veteran experience at a position group that could be very young.
La’el Collins, RT: Although he missed all of last season with a hip injury, Collins is expected to make a full recovery and return to being the team’s starting right tackle.
Amari Cooper, WR: The team’s No. 1 wide receiver is coming off a career-high 92-catch season. Along with CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, the trio should continue being one of the best in the league.
Trevon Diggs, CB: He significantly improved throughout his rookie season, ending the year as the team’s clear No. 1 playmaking defensive back.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB: Despite coming off his worst statistical year of his career, there’s no reason to think the three-time Pro Bowler won’t be a major piece of Dallas’ offense again in his sixth season.
Neville Gallimore, DT: Injuries forced him into a starting role earlier than expected. He should continue being a significant piece for the defensive line.
Michael Gallup, WR: He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract. It’s going to be difficult for the Cowboys to keep all of their offensive weapons, so 2021 could be Gallup’s final season in Dallas.
C.J. Goodwin, CB (UFA): Although he’s a free agent, it would be surprising if the Cowboys didn’t re-sign their best special teams player.
Randy Gregory, DE: Even at 28, there’s still a feeling like Gregory’s best football is ahead of him. Look for him to be the team’s starting right defensive end Week 1.
Trysten Hill, DT: He was showing noticeable improvement before a knee injury ended his season in Week 5. Hill is expected to compete for a starting spot in 2021.
Blake Jarwin, TE: The expectation is that Jarwin will return to his starting role after missing almost all of last season with a knee injury he suffered in the season opener.
Brandon Knight, OT: Nine starts is generally not expected from your No. 4 offensive tackle. But injuries forced Knight into that spot last season. He should continue to provide solid depth.
CeeDee Lamb, WR: The sky’s the limit for the second-year standout wide receiver. Lamb has the ability to be a consistent 1,000-yard receiver who posts double-digit touchdown catches.
DeMarcus Lawrence, DE: He remains not only the team’s best defensive lineman, but their most valuable defender. Moving back to a more standard 4-3 scheme should only benefit the Cowboys’ highest-paid player.
Zack Martin, G: After experiencing his most injury-filled season, the six-time All-Pro will return to his starting right guard spot.
Connor McGovern, G: He is expected to compete with Connor Williams for the starting left guard spot. McGovern started eight games last year after missing his entire rookie season because of injury.
Tony Pollard, RB: Dallas’ No. 2 back performed so well last season that many were calling for him to see more touches. One of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s biggest tasks will be finding a way to get Pollard more involved.
Dak Prescott, QB (UFA): The expectation remains that he will either sign a long-term contract extension or play a second consecutive season under the franchise tag.
Dalton Schultz, TE: The Cowboys looked to be in trouble at tight end after Jarwin went down. But Schultz exceeded expectations in his expanded role, showing that he can more than handle the load as a No. 1 blocker and pass catcher.
Jaylon Smith, LB: Smith might be the most difficult player to put in one of these categories. It shouldn’t be stunning to think he will be back with the Cowboys in 2021. But with his questionable play the last two seasons and the amount of money he’s making, a post-June 1 release can’t be completely ruled out, either.
Tyron Smith, LT: The injuries have really started to add up over the last five seasons, but the Cowboys expect Smith to remain their starting left tackle in 2021.
Terence Steele, OT: It’s difficult to believe that the Cowboys would feel comfortable starting Steele 14 games as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2020 and then not expecting him to at least be a key reserve in 2021.
Darian Thompson, S: He can provide solid depth on defense and special teams. Thompson started seven games last season.
Leighton Vander Esch, LB: Injuries have played a major role in Vander Esch not building on a Pro Bowl rookie season. The former first-round pick has missed 13 games over the last two seasons.
Connor Williams, G: This is a big year for Williams as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. He’s expected to compete for the starting left guard job that he has held for the majority of the previous three seasons.
Cedrick Wilson, WR (RFA): There’s some work to be done to keep Wilson in Dallas, but it seems like a pretty easy decision considering his play last season. He gives the Cowboys an excellent No. 4 wide receiver option.
Donovan Wilson, S: He emerged last season as the clear-cut top strong safety on the roster. He’s expected to start there in 2021.
Antwaun Woods, DT (RFA): It makes a lot of sense to keep Woods around as the Cowboys transition back to a defensive scheme that fits what Woods has done best as a one-technique defensive tackle.
Greg Zuerlein, K: Not much of a surprise here. He converted on 83 percent of his field goals, making 31 of 32 inside of 50 yards.
Back-end bubble guys
Bradlee Anae, DE: He played only six defensive snaps during his rookie season. With so many changes on the defensive coaching staff, it’s difficult to say right now what Anae’s role will be in 2021. If the Cowboys don’t make many significant additions at defensive end, he should see more opportunities. But if Dan Quinn and the new coaches want to go in another direction with their depth, last year’s fifth-round pick might not see the field much.
Francis Bernard, LB: The undrafted rookie free agent wasn’t much of a factor on defense, but he was a solid special teams contributor. He has a good chance to be on the roster again in 2021.
Maurice Canady, CB: He opted out of last season because of COVID-19, but should compete for a roster spot if he chooses to play in 2021.
Ron’Dell Carter, DL (ERFA): He has the versatility to play multiple spots along the defensive line. Depending on what the Cowboys do in free agency and the draft, Carter could return for a second season.
Ben DiNucci, QB: No one expected DiNucci to make a start during his rookie season. And while it didn’t go well, he’s a prospect that Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore will continue trying to develop.
Rico Dowdle, RB: He was Dallas’ No. 3 back behind Elliott and Pollard during his rookie year. There’s a decent chance he continues to have that role next season.
Luke Gifford, LB: There were high hopes for Gifford after he signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2019. But injuries and a performance-enhancing drug suspension have limited his impact.
Garrett Gilbert, QB: Depending on what the Cowboys do at the quarterback position behind Prescott, Gilbert could be the team’s No. 2 going into next season. He played well when given the opportunity in 2020.
Justin Hamilton, DT: Several injuries to the defensive tackle position led to Hamilton playing in 10 games last season, starting two.
Chris Jones, P: He’s under contract for one more season, but he’ll likely have to compete with Hunter Niswander for the job in training camp.
Sean McKeon, TE: As Dallas’ No. 3 tight end after Jarwin went down, McKeon played in 14 games as an undrafted rookie free agent.
Hunter Niswander, P: Depending on how he competes with Jones, Niswander could very well end up being Dallas’ punter again in 2021. He performed well with his opportunities after Jones was lost for the season.
Jamize Olawale, FB: The veteran opted out last season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was the Cowboys’ fullback the previous two seasons.
Sewo Olonilua, FB: His spot likely comes down to whether or not Olawale plans on returning after opting out last season. The Cowboys obviously don’t need two fullbacks on the roster.
Steven Parker, S: Several injuries on the back end of the defense led to him playing in eight games last season.
Rashard Robinson, CB: Injuries to several cornerbacks led to Robinson playing more than the Cowboys probably expected. He does have the ideal size (6-2) for the position that Quinn will be looking for to run his defense.
Reggie Robinson II, CB: He was a strange fit for the scheme the Cowboys were running during his rookie season. Robinson was moved to safety before the season started. He figures to return to cornerback, his most natural position, under Quinn.
Saivion Smith, CB: He played in six games, finishing with three tackles while bouncing around from the practice squad to the active roster.
Decision pending
Eli Ankou, DT (UFA): Defensive tackle will likely be addressed in free agency and the draft. With Hill, Gallimore and Woods expected back, there likely won’t be a roster spot for Ankou.
Chidobe Awuzie, CB (UFA): Unless he is willing to take an extremely team-friendly deal, it seems like Awuzie’s time with the Cowboys has come to an end. The team is expected to address the position in the draft, as early as the 10th overall pick.
Blake Bell, TE (UFA): He was a solid No. 2 tight end after Jarwin went down. With Jarwin returning, Bell will go back to the No. 3 role. If he can’t find a better opportunity in free agency, perhaps a return is possible.
Noah Brown, WR (UFA): He has contributed in many ways over the last four years, seeing his most impact as a wide receiver last season. But it’s by far the deepest position on the roster. There are only so many opportunities with Cooper, Lamb and Gallup in front of you on the depth chart.
Tyrone Crawford, DL (UFA): The injuries have started to add up over the last two years. If Crawford, 31, doesn’t feel like he can still contribute at a high level, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise if he decided to step away from the game.
Cameron Erving, OT (UFA): He signed with the Cowboys last year to provide depth as their swing tackle. However, with Collins and Smith missing most of the season, Erving dealt with injury issues of his own.
Stephen Guidry, WR: The undrafted rookie free agent opted out of last season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mitch Hyatt, OT: He missed all of last season after suffering a season-ending knee injury in training camp.
Azur Kamara, LB: He spent all of last season on injured reserve after signing as an undrafted rookie free agent.
L.P. Ladouceur, LS (UFA): If he wants to return for a 17th season, the Cowboys would gladly have him. But the soon-to-be 40-year-old will have to decide if he wants to continue playing.
Sean Lee, LB (UFA): Lee could always decide to return for a 12th season. The Cowboys would find a spot for him. But it seems more likely that Lee ends up retiring and exploring a future in coaching.
Jourdan Lewis, CB (UFA): Like Awuzie, there’s a scenario where Lewis could return. It just seems more likely that there ends up being a better opportunity for him on another team.
Joe Looney, C (UFA): The Cowboys would like to have Looney back in a reserve role. He would provide great depth at center and both guard spots. But there could be better opportunities for him in free agency.
Justin March, LB (UFA): He’s been a solid special teams contributor and backup linebacker for the past four seasons.
Greg Senat, OT (RFA): If Collins and Smith are healthy, and Steele and Knight remain their backups, there might not be much opportunity for Senat, who only played two offensive snaps last season.
Aldon Smith, DE (UFA): Smith’s future with the Cowboys will probably be determined by how Quinn thinks the veteran edge rusher fits in his defense. Smith is best suited to play in a 3-4 scheme. He can probably be a solid 4-3 rush end, but going to a 3-4 team makes more sense.
Joe Thomas, LB (UFA): Thomas has now played for Mike McCarthy in Green Bay and Dallas. That makes it easy to believe that McCarthy would prefer to keep Thomas as a key reserve. It could make sense for both sides if Thomas is unable to find more playing time on the open market.
Malik Turner, WR (RFA): It’s a very crowded position group, which makes it difficult to see Turner making the roster if everyone is healthy.
Xavier Woods, S (UFA): There’s a chance that the Cowboys could find a way to re-sign Woods. The issue is that they need a playmaking free safety to pair with Wilson. Woods is certainly worth keeping at the right price.
Likely gone
Andy Dalton, QB (UFA): The Cowboys would love to have Dalton return as Prescott’s backup, but it seems much more likely that he finds a better opportunity for playing time with another team.
Looking for a new way to break down the Cowboys’ roster this time of year, I really liked what my colleague Jeff Zrebiec, who covers the Baltimore Ravens for The Athletic, put together recently.
It’s a four-category evaluation of where the roster sits heading into free agency.
Here’s how it’s broken down.
The “core returners” are players expected back to be starters or have key reserve roles in 2021. The “back-end bubble guys” are the players who will have to earn a roster spot. The “decision pending” category is mostly for free agents. “Likely gone” is for players not expected to return next season.
Having several new pieces on the defensive coaching staff makes some of these projections more difficult, but here’s how I have split the players into groups.
(Pending free agents are designated with their status in parentheses)
Core returners
Dorance Armstrong, DE: His playing time has increased each of his first three seasons on defense and special teams. That should continue in Year 4.
Tyler Biadasz, C: He’s expected to take over the starting center spot after starting four games and playing in 12 as a rookie.
Anthony Brown, CB: If the season started today, Brown would be a starter. That could remain the case even after free agency and the draft. At the very least, he will provide valuable depth and veteran experience at a position group that could be very young.
La’el Collins, RT: Although he missed all of last season with a hip injury, Collins is expected to make a full recovery and return to being the team’s starting right tackle.
Amari Cooper, WR: The team’s No. 1 wide receiver is coming off a career-high 92-catch season. Along with CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, the trio should continue being one of the best in the league.
Trevon Diggs, CB: He significantly improved throughout his rookie season, ending the year as the team’s clear No. 1 playmaking defensive back.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB: Despite coming off his worst statistical year of his career, there’s no reason to think the three-time Pro Bowler won’t be a major piece of Dallas’ offense again in his sixth season.
Neville Gallimore, DT: Injuries forced him into a starting role earlier than expected. He should continue being a significant piece for the defensive line.
Michael Gallup, WR: He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract. It’s going to be difficult for the Cowboys to keep all of their offensive weapons, so 2021 could be Gallup’s final season in Dallas.
C.J. Goodwin, CB (UFA): Although he’s a free agent, it would be surprising if the Cowboys didn’t re-sign their best special teams player.
Randy Gregory, DE: Even at 28, there’s still a feeling like Gregory’s best football is ahead of him. Look for him to be the team’s starting right defensive end Week 1.
Trysten Hill, DT: He was showing noticeable improvement before a knee injury ended his season in Week 5. Hill is expected to compete for a starting spot in 2021.
Blake Jarwin, TE: The expectation is that Jarwin will return to his starting role after missing almost all of last season with a knee injury he suffered in the season opener.
Brandon Knight, OT: Nine starts is generally not expected from your No. 4 offensive tackle. But injuries forced Knight into that spot last season. He should continue to provide solid depth.
CeeDee Lamb, WR: The sky’s the limit for the second-year standout wide receiver. Lamb has the ability to be a consistent 1,000-yard receiver who posts double-digit touchdown catches.
DeMarcus Lawrence, DE: He remains not only the team’s best defensive lineman, but their most valuable defender. Moving back to a more standard 4-3 scheme should only benefit the Cowboys’ highest-paid player.
Zack Martin, G: After experiencing his most injury-filled season, the six-time All-Pro will return to his starting right guard spot.
Connor McGovern, G: He is expected to compete with Connor Williams for the starting left guard spot. McGovern started eight games last year after missing his entire rookie season because of injury.
Tony Pollard, RB: Dallas’ No. 2 back performed so well last season that many were calling for him to see more touches. One of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s biggest tasks will be finding a way to get Pollard more involved.
Dak Prescott, QB (UFA): The expectation remains that he will either sign a long-term contract extension or play a second consecutive season under the franchise tag.
Dalton Schultz, TE: The Cowboys looked to be in trouble at tight end after Jarwin went down. But Schultz exceeded expectations in his expanded role, showing that he can more than handle the load as a No. 1 blocker and pass catcher.
Jaylon Smith, LB: Smith might be the most difficult player to put in one of these categories. It shouldn’t be stunning to think he will be back with the Cowboys in 2021. But with his questionable play the last two seasons and the amount of money he’s making, a post-June 1 release can’t be completely ruled out, either.
Tyron Smith, LT: The injuries have really started to add up over the last five seasons, but the Cowboys expect Smith to remain their starting left tackle in 2021.
Terence Steele, OT: It’s difficult to believe that the Cowboys would feel comfortable starting Steele 14 games as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2020 and then not expecting him to at least be a key reserve in 2021.
Darian Thompson, S: He can provide solid depth on defense and special teams. Thompson started seven games last season.
Leighton Vander Esch, LB: Injuries have played a major role in Vander Esch not building on a Pro Bowl rookie season. The former first-round pick has missed 13 games over the last two seasons.
Connor Williams, G: This is a big year for Williams as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. He’s expected to compete for the starting left guard job that he has held for the majority of the previous three seasons.
Cedrick Wilson, WR (RFA): There’s some work to be done to keep Wilson in Dallas, but it seems like a pretty easy decision considering his play last season. He gives the Cowboys an excellent No. 4 wide receiver option.
Donovan Wilson, S: He emerged last season as the clear-cut top strong safety on the roster. He’s expected to start there in 2021.
Antwaun Woods, DT (RFA): It makes a lot of sense to keep Woods around as the Cowboys transition back to a defensive scheme that fits what Woods has done best as a one-technique defensive tackle.
Greg Zuerlein, K: Not much of a surprise here. He converted on 83 percent of his field goals, making 31 of 32 inside of 50 yards.
Back-end bubble guys
Bradlee Anae, DE: He played only six defensive snaps during his rookie season. With so many changes on the defensive coaching staff, it’s difficult to say right now what Anae’s role will be in 2021. If the Cowboys don’t make many significant additions at defensive end, he should see more opportunities. But if Dan Quinn and the new coaches want to go in another direction with their depth, last year’s fifth-round pick might not see the field much.
Francis Bernard, LB: The undrafted rookie free agent wasn’t much of a factor on defense, but he was a solid special teams contributor. He has a good chance to be on the roster again in 2021.
Maurice Canady, CB: He opted out of last season because of COVID-19, but should compete for a roster spot if he chooses to play in 2021.
Ron’Dell Carter, DL (ERFA): He has the versatility to play multiple spots along the defensive line. Depending on what the Cowboys do in free agency and the draft, Carter could return for a second season.
Ben DiNucci, QB: No one expected DiNucci to make a start during his rookie season. And while it didn’t go well, he’s a prospect that Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore will continue trying to develop.
Rico Dowdle, RB: He was Dallas’ No. 3 back behind Elliott and Pollard during his rookie year. There’s a decent chance he continues to have that role next season.
Luke Gifford, LB: There were high hopes for Gifford after he signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2019. But injuries and a performance-enhancing drug suspension have limited his impact.
Garrett Gilbert, QB: Depending on what the Cowboys do at the quarterback position behind Prescott, Gilbert could be the team’s No. 2 going into next season. He played well when given the opportunity in 2020.
Justin Hamilton, DT: Several injuries to the defensive tackle position led to Hamilton playing in 10 games last season, starting two.
Chris Jones, P: He’s under contract for one more season, but he’ll likely have to compete with Hunter Niswander for the job in training camp.
Sean McKeon, TE: As Dallas’ No. 3 tight end after Jarwin went down, McKeon played in 14 games as an undrafted rookie free agent.
Hunter Niswander, P: Depending on how he competes with Jones, Niswander could very well end up being Dallas’ punter again in 2021. He performed well with his opportunities after Jones was lost for the season.
Jamize Olawale, FB: The veteran opted out last season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was the Cowboys’ fullback the previous two seasons.
Sewo Olonilua, FB: His spot likely comes down to whether or not Olawale plans on returning after opting out last season. The Cowboys obviously don’t need two fullbacks on the roster.
Steven Parker, S: Several injuries on the back end of the defense led to him playing in eight games last season.
Rashard Robinson, CB: Injuries to several cornerbacks led to Robinson playing more than the Cowboys probably expected. He does have the ideal size (6-2) for the position that Quinn will be looking for to run his defense.
Reggie Robinson II, CB: He was a strange fit for the scheme the Cowboys were running during his rookie season. Robinson was moved to safety before the season started. He figures to return to cornerback, his most natural position, under Quinn.
Saivion Smith, CB: He played in six games, finishing with three tackles while bouncing around from the practice squad to the active roster.
Decision pending
Eli Ankou, DT (UFA): Defensive tackle will likely be addressed in free agency and the draft. With Hill, Gallimore and Woods expected back, there likely won’t be a roster spot for Ankou.
Chidobe Awuzie, CB (UFA): Unless he is willing to take an extremely team-friendly deal, it seems like Awuzie’s time with the Cowboys has come to an end. The team is expected to address the position in the draft, as early as the 10th overall pick.
Blake Bell, TE (UFA): He was a solid No. 2 tight end after Jarwin went down. With Jarwin returning, Bell will go back to the No. 3 role. If he can’t find a better opportunity in free agency, perhaps a return is possible.
Noah Brown, WR (UFA): He has contributed in many ways over the last four years, seeing his most impact as a wide receiver last season. But it’s by far the deepest position on the roster. There are only so many opportunities with Cooper, Lamb and Gallup in front of you on the depth chart.
Tyrone Crawford, DL (UFA): The injuries have started to add up over the last two years. If Crawford, 31, doesn’t feel like he can still contribute at a high level, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise if he decided to step away from the game.
Cameron Erving, OT (UFA): He signed with the Cowboys last year to provide depth as their swing tackle. However, with Collins and Smith missing most of the season, Erving dealt with injury issues of his own.
Stephen Guidry, WR: The undrafted rookie free agent opted out of last season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mitch Hyatt, OT: He missed all of last season after suffering a season-ending knee injury in training camp.
Azur Kamara, LB: He spent all of last season on injured reserve after signing as an undrafted rookie free agent.
L.P. Ladouceur, LS (UFA): If he wants to return for a 17th season, the Cowboys would gladly have him. But the soon-to-be 40-year-old will have to decide if he wants to continue playing.
Sean Lee, LB (UFA): Lee could always decide to return for a 12th season. The Cowboys would find a spot for him. But it seems more likely that Lee ends up retiring and exploring a future in coaching.
Jourdan Lewis, CB (UFA): Like Awuzie, there’s a scenario where Lewis could return. It just seems more likely that there ends up being a better opportunity for him on another team.
Joe Looney, C (UFA): The Cowboys would like to have Looney back in a reserve role. He would provide great depth at center and both guard spots. But there could be better opportunities for him in free agency.
Justin March, LB (UFA): He’s been a solid special teams contributor and backup linebacker for the past four seasons.
Greg Senat, OT (RFA): If Collins and Smith are healthy, and Steele and Knight remain their backups, there might not be much opportunity for Senat, who only played two offensive snaps last season.
Aldon Smith, DE (UFA): Smith’s future with the Cowboys will probably be determined by how Quinn thinks the veteran edge rusher fits in his defense. Smith is best suited to play in a 3-4 scheme. He can probably be a solid 4-3 rush end, but going to a 3-4 team makes more sense.
Joe Thomas, LB (UFA): Thomas has now played for Mike McCarthy in Green Bay and Dallas. That makes it easy to believe that McCarthy would prefer to keep Thomas as a key reserve. It could make sense for both sides if Thomas is unable to find more playing time on the open market.
Malik Turner, WR (RFA): It’s a very crowded position group, which makes it difficult to see Turner making the roster if everyone is healthy.
Xavier Woods, S (UFA): There’s a chance that the Cowboys could find a way to re-sign Woods. The issue is that they need a playmaking free safety to pair with Wilson. Woods is certainly worth keeping at the right price.
Likely gone
Andy Dalton, QB (UFA): The Cowboys would love to have Dalton return as Prescott’s backup, but it seems much more likely that he finds a better opportunity for playing time with another team.
