As we head towards the 2024 season, the Cowboys roster is still a work in progress. Countless moves will be made before the 53-man roster is complete. That can happen with trades, cuts, or new signings.
It’s a long and tedious process that always includes at least a few surprises.
Think back to Dan Bailey being released, Dez Bryant and Ezekiel Elliott, and young guys like Jabril Cox last year.
As much as we can project, there will always be a surprise or two.
This year will be no different. The Cowboys’ roster is younger and more inexperienced than usual after countless players departed in free agency.
When you’re dealing with unproven talent, some guys rise up out of nowhere, and some falter.
The question for Dallas is who will fall into each of those categories.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few guys who could be this year’s surprise cut.
Wide Receiver: Jalen Tolbert
This entire offseason has included excitement about former 3rd-round pick, Jalen Tolbert.
With Michael Gallup out of the picture and no external WR3 brought in, Tolbert falls next in line. But, what if he doesn’t live up to the WR3 expectations?
We do have to remember, he only has 280 career yards for a reason.
Tolbert has had opportunities over his first two seasons, he just hasn’t capitalized on them to this point. If that trend remains throughout the preseason process, why shouldn’t he be on the chopping block?
It would allow Dallas to give more snaps to young receivers like Jalen Brooks and Ryan Flournoy.
Both of those guys are getting some big hype right now, and the Cowboys could prefer them to Jalen Tolbert.
Tolbert should not be considered a lock for the roster just because he was a top-100 pick three years ago.
Quarterback: Cooper Rush
Four years ago, Dallas waived backup Quarterback Cooper Rush. A stint with the Giants and a return to the Cowboys later, and Rush has a 5-1 career record as a starter.
That still might not be enough for him to keep his job this summer.
Heading into this season, Trey Lance needed a spot; Dallas invested a fourth-round pick in him for a reason. If he isn’t ready to back up Dak Prescott now, he won’t ever be, and Rush stands in the way.
The veteran quarterback knows the system well and has shown an ability to win, but prioritizing the development of Lance may be more important.
If Lance has a strong showing in the lead-up to the season, he has to be on the roster. Keeping three quarterbacks, when depth elsewhere is so needed for Dallas, is a tough sell.
Moving on from Rush does hurt your insurance at quarterback, but it adds a spot for somebody else who might get real playing time.
Cornerback: Jourdan Lewis
It pains me to add long-time Cowboys Cornerback Jourdan Lewis to this list.
“J-Lew” has been with Dallas since they drafted him in 2017. Since that time, he’s been a stable, reliable option at slot corner, but he might just be running out of time.
There is a plethora of young corners waiting in the wings. Whether it be rookie Caelen Carson, hybrid DB Israel Mukuamu, 2nd-year man Eric Scott Jr., or Nahshon Wright. All of these guys bring something to the table.
With Lewis on a one-year deal, he could become expendable to those guys who haven’t yet (hopefully) reached their full potential.
Giving them a shot may be worth it. Especially in the case of guys like Carson and Scott, who Dallas used decent draft capital on.
You want to see what they have, and you already know what Lewis will bring.
He is a fan-favorite and a great veteran to have. It might just be a numbers game when it comes to Lewis’ spot on the 53-man roster this time.