The NFL, like the other recently-restarted major sports, offered players an option to opt-out, should they not want to play in the upcoming season for any number of reasons.
The deadline to opt-out was August 6 at 3 p.m. Central and many players around the league have took advantage of this new clause, including three Dallas Cowboys.
There had been discussion that DeMarcus Lawrence was considering this option, but the star defensive end whose wife recently had their first child remains in, announcing a few hours before the deadline through social media.
Brothers elevate each-other’s game! 🤘🏿@hotboyztm @thejaylonsmith 🔥 #TankandSmooth #LawN90rder pic.twitter.com/8duQfR9Oyq
— DeMarcus Lawrence (@TankLawrence) August 6, 2020
It’s hard to express just how important Lawrence joining the Cowboys this season will be, as there isn’t a clear starter at the opposite end position after the club lost double-digit sack artist Robert Quinn to free agency.
While none of the announcements came on deadline day, Dallas still had three players opt-out, choosing for the $150,000 loan borrowed against their 2021 salary.
The first Cowboy to withdraw was newly signed cornerback, Maurice Canady. Canady appeared in 13 games for the Jets and Ravens a year ago. The Cowboys cornerbacks were already a concern after the departure of Byron Jones, and while Canady might not have been the Cowboys number one cover man, but the 26 year-old could have provided depth and experience on both defense and special teams.
Fullback Jamize Olawale is perhaps the most notable Cowboy not joining the squad for 2020. Olawale played about 10 percent of the offensive snaps over the past two years, but was a major contributor on special teams. If the Cowboys choose to keep a fullback, it appears it may be Sewo Olonilua’s spot to lose.
Stephen Guidry, a 2020 undrafted free agent wide receiver also opted-out. A Mississippi St. product, he one of the many wide receivers who had an opportunity to claim the final spots on the depth chart. The Cowboys are able to retain Guidry’s rights for the future.
The Cowboys group of withdrawals is less significant than some other teams. For example, the Patriots had eight players opt-out, including former Pro Bowler Donta Hightower.
While on paper it looks like the Cowboys generated a few million dollars in cap space, these decisions didn’t have much impact the Dallas financial situation.
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