Entering 2023, there are several veteran players who need to step up their performance this summer or face the prospect of being cut. In my book these are the veterans squarely on the cut bubble:
- Kelvin Joseph- as he enters his 3rd season, KJ has been a major disappointment. His play on STs has been very good but as a 2nd round pick he should have already been a starter. When Anthony Brown went down last year, he had his opportunities but was far less than reliable. DeRon Bland has passed him and so has versatile Israel Mukamu. And the addition of Stephon Gilmore makes even more in danger of the cut knife. The physical skills are there but the bust clock is ticking.
- Jabril Cox- drafted in the 4th round two years ago, Cox was seen as a steal. Two seasons later, Cox has been a disappointment. His pass coverage skills were supposed to be his strength but he has not shown enough to be reliable. DeMarvion Overshown is now the young LB with more raw talent than Cox. Like Joseph, he’s on a very short leash.
- Neville Gallimore- unlike the previous two players mentioned, Gallimore he has earned some decent playing time. Going into a contract year, he’s been ok just not good enough to warrant a second contract. The drafting of Mazi Smith underscores that.
- Jourdan Lewis- Lewis has been a very good player for several years. His foot injury last year ended a good season early for him But he’s more expensive and the development of Israel Mukamu has made him a bubble guy in my book.
- Jalen Tolbert- early reports from OTAs has Tolbert being greatly improved. Last year was a complete disappointment for a guy drafted in the 3rd round. He cannot afford another bad TC.
Who else? Who’s on your list of guys in danger of a visit from the Turk this year?
I can't say I disagree that these are the players who have not lived up to the post draft hype. Joseph has been a major disappointment and while he is loaded with athletic ability it seems his intelligence is letting him down. That is something that cannot be fixed I don't think. Still I would love to see the lightbulb go on with him because I hate to see young kids waste their talent. If he continues to play solid on STs I think he stays, but I could see if they decide to cut ties with him and move on too.
I thought Cox showed some ability his rookie season. Then he injured his knee and fell off the map his second season. If he has anything, this will be the year we see it. I really hope he is the guy I thought I saw his rookie year. Knocking Danny Dimes out of a game has to count for something. With a couple of running QBs in the NFC East they can use a LB with lots of lateral speed. I am not buying all this hype about Overshown, Let him play a down first.
To me, Gallimore has been one of the biggest disappointments for Dallas. He was just awful last year. I thought sitting out 12 or 13 games with a hyperextended elbow was bad, but when he came back he just got shoved around by almost everyone. I think the Cowboys have shown less tolerance with DTs lately and if he does not show something I do think they get rid of him, like they did with Hill.
They are keeping Lewis. I think he is their 4th best CB. They don't need the CAP space so theri is not need to cut him to save money. Say what you want about Bland, but I need to see more than one season before I fall in love with the guy. Mukuamu did look good at times I don't think he is as good as Lewis.
I think they keep Tolbert too. It is only his second season and unless he does something bad for the team I think he gets a second chance.
I would add Bohanna to this list. With Mazi and Hankins I think Bohanna becomes expendable. It could be a battle between Gallimore and Bohanna to see who stays and who get cut. Overall, I am not sold on the Cowboys interior DL yet. Mazi would have to be something special. I would be great if Bohanna and Gallimore both step up.
