With the first practice of mandatory minicamp at The Star in Frisco in the rearview, the Dallas Cowboys hope to build on the foundation laid Tuesday morning.
A notable absence was star WR CeeDee Lamb, who is currently in a contract ummm…situationship? I’m not sure what to call it because the negotiations are locked up tightly.
Mum’s been the word from both camps except for the occasional “have been in discussions with his agent” line that we get from Jerry or Stephen Jones, whoever has the microphone.
The Cowboys and Lamb’s agent have been “in discussions” about a contract extension since the conclusion of the 2023 season at the hands of the Green Bay Packers.
Lamb has been working out on his own and staying in shape for hopefully another All-Pro season. In his absence, opportunity presents itself to younger players on the depth chart.
Practices this offseason should be fun. Many players are fighting for the right to fill important roles vacated by players lost in free agency.
Post-practice, Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy stood at the podium for media availability where he was peppered with questions by eager reporters and beat writers looking for their next headline.
Like always, McCarthy took questions and answered with his usual grace. Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Gehlken’s transcription was used for this article.
McCarthy Opens With Class
McCarthy, like in every other situation, showed the utmost class by opening the press conference by acknowledging the loss of legendary Cowboys lineman Larry Allen.
“Obviously a huge loss for the Cowboys and everybody.”
Gehlken also reports that a video honoring Allen was played in the morning during the Cowboys’ team meeting.
Allen passed away late Sunday afternoon while on vacation with his family in Mexico. He was 52 years old.
It’s been 19 years since Allen has suited up in a Cowboys uniform but it still feels like yesterday watching him on television mauling defenders at the snap.
He came onto The Great Wall of Dallas in the 1990s in its latter years after being drafted in the 2nd round of the 1994 NFL Draft from Sonoma State University.
Besides throwing defensive tackles into the next realm on a snap to snap basis, Allen is known most for his brute strength. He famously bench-pressed 700 pounds as a member of the Cowboys.
Cut the Deuce Loose
If there is one thing Mike McCarthy had on his Green Bay offenses is an obscure fullback/running back who always outperformed expectations.
Names like John Kuhn and James Starks come to mind, but we have been waiting for that role to come to prominence in his Cowboys offense.
Hunter Luepke seems like the obvious choice for that role but what if it’s Deuce Vaughn?
Vaughn has been getting some work as a wide receiver in the slot this offseason. McCarthy says he “looks really good” and he sees “dual-position potential” in him.
The diminutive dasher from Kansas State University is on a short list of players who have the speed and agility to replace what the Cowboys lost when Tony Pollard signed with Tennessee.
He needs the opportunities and it appears the Cowboys are willing to move him around the formation if it helps get him on the field.
It’s Turpin Time
One of the other players on the short list of players vying for the opportunity to collect a share of Pollard’s old role is KaVontae Turpin.
The former USFL MVP has seen his role in the offense steadily increase since his arrival in the 2022 season but he has an opportunity to be even more special.
Special teams, that is. Lost behind Turpin’s increased role in the offense is the fact that special teams is what got him a spot on the team.
It’s difficult to make an impact when 80% of kicks are touchbacks but the new kickoff rules are throwing the advantage back to the return team.
Analytics show that just a shade over 20% of kicks were returned last season but according to McCarthy “we anticipate it goes maybe to 60%”, adding that it would naturally lead to more touches for Turpin.
