The Dallas Cowboys have decided to part ways with 26-year-old Benson Mayowa in order to free up some cap space for the new roster. Releasing the defensive end should create around $2.75 million of free space, and give the team a little more breathing room after their recent spending.
Dallas signed Mayowa on a three-year deal worth $8.25 million, including a $3.3-million signing bonus, which the Oakland Raiders failed to match.
In 2016, he led the defense with six sacks, but unfortunately posted only one last season, with even fewer defensive snaps out of his 14 games. He made 22 tackles and 15 quarterback pressures but just couldn't seem to get back to where he was the year prior. The Cowboys would have had to shell out $3.85 million to keep him on the squad for 2018. Before joining Dallas from Oakland, Benson spent his first year with the Seattle Seahawks where he struggled to get any first-team action.
The move will help to clear some room after the Cowboys grabbed a major contract for their 2018 salary cap, declaring DeMarcus Lawrence the team's franchise tag. The one-year contract is worth around $17.143 million a year, and is exciting news for the defensive end's future.
The agreement will ensure the player remains with the organization till at least the end of the season.
With Lawrence locked in for another year, the Cowboys are looking like a formidable force for next season. After missing out on the playoffs last year, coach Jason Garrett will be keen to get back to winning ways as soon as possible.
Bookmakers seem to think they have a solid chance at being champions and currently have them as the sixth favorite at +1600. They sit just behind the Minnesota Vikings at +1400, and in front of the Atlanta Falcons at +1800. Although they are a bit of a dark horse this year, they look set to turn a few heads this season and many pundits are predicting big things from the Cowboys. Some bettors might even look to using a free bet promotion online at a tipping site such as Oddschecker, if wanting to support their team while minimizing their risk potential. With bookies like Ladbrokes and Coral offering up to £50 free bets, there's no better time to take a punt.
With Mayowa on the way out, there will also be an extra opportunity for last year's No. 1 pick, Taco Charlton, to see some more game time. The young prodigy from Michigan University will be eager to impress this season as he looks to try to break into the starting lineup.
