The Cowboys made two predictable cap-clearing moves today by releasing Tight End Blake Jarwin and Kicker Greg Zuerlein ahead of next week's start to 2022 free agency. They also let go of RB Ito Smith, WR Robert Foster, and CB Reggie Robison.
Jarwin's was waived/injured following a recent hip surgery that threatens his 2022 availability. With recent talk that he could miss the entire season, Blake will now potentially provide Dallas with $3.85 million in cap relief.
The Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Dalton Schultz a few days ago and have prospect Sean McKeon behind him. With the 2022 NFL Draft rich in TE talent, it will be interesting to see how much more Dallas invests in the position.
The Cowboys have released kicker Greg Zuerlein and waived/injured TE Blake Jarwin.
— Nick Eatman (@nickeatman) March 11, 2022
There were talks about a pay reduction for Blake Jarwin, who had major hip surgery last month and could miss the season. The move saves them $3.85m, but could get more complicated if Jarwin files for injury protection. In '20, he signed 4-year, $22m deal but injuries derailed him
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 11, 2022
Greg Zuerlein's below-average performance the last two years made him an easy cut. Dallas gets back about $2.5 million on the salary cap and will now seek a cheaper option at kicker. They did sign former Texas and SMU kicker Chris Naggar in January but will likely explore at least a few more options.
While the Cowboys and loyal special teams coach John Fassel tried to work through Zuerlein's injuries, Greg's been one of the NFL's least-accurate kickers since 2020. Even if Dallas doesn't find a great replacement this year, they can at least get similar results for a league-minimum contract.
The Cowboys also released running back Ito Smith, defensive back Reggie Robinson and wide receiver Robert Foster. Robinson was a fourth-round pick in 2020 but missed last season with a toe injury.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 11, 2022
Dallas also made a few bottom-rung cuts today. Smith and Foster were both practice squad guys last year and are 27 and 28-years-old, so this is more about making room for young prospects at those positions.
Cutting Robinson brings an unfortunate end to the former 4th-Round pick's time with the Cowboys. He was drafted in 2020 and converted from cornerback to safety, then switched back to CB last year. He missed last year with a preseason toe injury but probably would've have gotten on the field much anyway.
