The Dallas Cowboys have their CB1 in Trevon Diggs. Anthony Brown, for now, at least, has the lead to start opposite Diggs but rookies Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright are making it difficult. Jourdan Lewis is the favorite for the starting nickel cornerback spot. However, there's a veteran that's making noise in training camp to secure his role on the 2021 Cowboys roster.
Maurice Canady may have been a forgotten name on the Cowboys roster after his 2020 opt-out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, once the Cowboys began training camp a few weeks ago, Canady has been making plays regularly and has looked like one of the best cornerbacks on the team.
Situation: Offense trailing by three points, one timeout left, 30 seconds remaining. And game is over: Cowboys CB Maurice Canady intercepts Dak Prescott on pass intended for WR Michael Gallup. Canady had a pass breakup earlier today. pic.twitter.com/zstAB7oLDC
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 27, 2021
This looked like a bit of a gift from Garrett Gilbert, but Maurice Canady ain't complaining pic.twitter.com/3HQ4aICaZ9
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) August 1, 2021
Canady was a sixth-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2016 out of Virginia. His first three seasons couldn't have gone any worse as hamstring, knee, and thigh injuries only allowed him to appear in 19 games. He was waived by the Ravens in August of 2019 but was signed to the practice squad a day later. Canady would work his way onto the active roster in September but was released on November 5.
A day later, Canady was claimed off of waivers by the New York Jets.
The 2019 season would be the best of Canady's career as he played in 13 games and registered 46 tackles, an interception, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Although he's been away from competitive action for over a year, Canady has shown good technique and instincts in training camp.
Maurice Canady just picked off Matthew Stafford! Wow!
(via @dallascowboys) pic.twitter.com/ysxvs4RXww
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) August 7, 2021
Canady is currently behind C.J. Goodwin and Reggie Robinson on the roster, but with how he's performing in Oxnard, that might change in the weeks to come. There's been speculation that the Cowboys may look at a veteran cornerback to boost the position. However, with Canady continuously making plays, the organization may not have to spend resources elsewhere.
Not only should Goodwin and Robinson be weary of Canady but also Joseph and Wright. The CB2 spot is wide open and the veteran has every intention of his name filling that spot.
The Cowboys still have three more preseason games to go so a lot could change over that span, but with the way Canady has stepped up in Oxnard, he's headed to the 53-man roster unless something unforeseen happens.
