The Dallas Cowboys offensive line is sort of in flux.
For the best unit in all of football, they will have two brand new starters in 2017. Sure, La’el Collins is one of those “new” starters, but since he’ll be playing a brand new position, I think he qualifies.
After the retirement of Doug Free and departure of Ronald Leary, the Cowboys signed free agent swing tackle Byron Bell back in March. Bell missed the entirety of 2016 with an ankle injury, but had started 72 games over his first five seasons in the NFL.
Though I had been skeptical of Bell’s chances to make an impact for the Cowboys based on his 2015 film, Byron has begun to take the necessary steps to revitalize his professional career.
Cowboys offensive lineman Byron Bell picked up $150,000 toward his workout bonus when he checked in at less than… https://t.co/SDEfPs1bsG
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) June 12, 2017
Originally weighing upwards of 360 pounds, the Cowboys added some weight loss incentives into Byron Bell’s contract. His first goal was to hit 320 pounds or less on June 12th, and after this mandatory weigh in, Bell is now $150,000 richer.
If Byron Bell continues on his weight loss journey, and makes both his second and third thresholds, he will ultimately earn another $300,000.
Based off his own Facebook post and attitude, it is clear that Bell is committed to getting back into playing shape, and making himself a useful offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys. If he is to hit his ideal weight, and become less of a lumbering player, Bell can potentially become an important swing tackle on the Cowboys’ roster.
In the end, it will be up to Bell himself to both make the weight and prove he can be a valuable part of the 2017 Cowboys. Certainly, I am rooting for him.
