When roster cuts arrive just before the start of the season, the Dallas Cowboys will be forced to release players they'd like to keep on their team. While there will be the camp bodies the Cowboys don't mind losing, there are also players on the roster bubble right now fighting for a job. That includes players who were on the active roster last year, but are in danger of missing out this season. That's the nature of the NFL, as there are notable players each year that teams release.
Things can also change quickly - Alfred Morris came off the roster bubble once Ezekiel Elliott got suspended. Which players may find themselves on the other side of the equation? Here are three notable players the Cowboys could cut before the season.
QB Luke McCown
The emergence of Cooper Rush this preseason has put McCown's spot on the roster in serious jeopardy. Both he and backup Kellen Moore have struggled over the course of the last few weeks, but Moore's spot on the roster is secure. McCown was signed after Zac Dysert's injury and, unfortunately, looked like a 36-year-old career backup against the Rams, going just 6/13 passing for 31 yards. He's not a threat to replace Moore, and with the younger Rush showing promise, McCown finds himself as a likely cut.
TE James Hanna / Geoff Swaim
Jason Witten isn't going anywhere and Rico Gathers continues to make plays in the preseason, securing another spot on the roster for him. Are the Cowboys going to carry four tight ends with wideouts like Andy Jones already pushing for a roster spot? Maybe, maybe not, but it puts James Hanna and/or Geoff Swaim on the roster bubble.
The Cowboys gave Hanna a a three-year, $8.25 million deal before last year with the hope he'd serve as the team's No. 2 tight end. Instead, he was hurt all season and Geoff Swaim took control of that role. Cutting Hanna would save the Cowboys $1.75 million (and even more in 2018), but he might be a better player than Swaim. The Cowboys could try to trade one of them as well, which might make the cheaper Swaim more appealing.
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LB Kyle Wilber
Every year it seems like Wilber finds himself on the roster bubble. He's always hung around, but he'll have another tough battle this year. With Jaylon Smith healthy, the Cowboys have a LB corps that consists of Sean Lee, Smith, recent re-signing Justin Durant, Anthony Hitchens and possibly Damien Wilson. That's five players already, meaning Wilber will likely only get on the field for special teams. He's good in that role, but the Cowboys can save $1.25 million in cap if they cut him.
If an undrafted free agent proves Wilber can be replaced, the Cowboys could cut ties.
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