The Dallas Cowboys thought they had solved their safety problem. After letting multi-year starter Jeff Heath walk in free agency, it appeared there was nowhere to go from up. The team signed free agent Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, fresh off a season with the Chicago Bears, to a one-year deal with a fair amount of guaranteed money.
Hopefully the team had some offset language involved, because on Thursday, two days before roster cuts had to be submitted to the league office, Clinton-Dix was the first defensive player released this week.
Signed in March to a one-year deal worth $3.75 million, veteran safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was released by the Cowboys Thursday, according to multiple sources. Clinton-Dix was guaranteed $2.25 million as part of the deal but his release opens $1.5 million… https://t.co/qfwixzYsQe
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) September 3, 2020
It had been reported that Clinton-Dix was not performing well in practice and that he had been passed on the depth chart by journeyman safety Darian Thompson. The former first-round pick in Green Bay under current Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy seemed to be struggling, and for those who have followed his career closely it should not come as a surprise.
In Cowboys Wire’s review of new additions to the team, we wrote, “Feels like his play doesn’t measure his accolades, but definitely a step up from Jeff Heath, and for a relatively cheap price.”
The 2016 Pro Bowler started all 16 games with the Chicago Bears last season, but will not suit up for a single game with Dallas.
Left on the depth chart are Xavier Woods as a sure starter but suffering through a slight groin strain currently, Thompson, and second-year man Donovan Wilson. The team also has moved fourth-round draft pick Reggie Robinson to safety and worked fellow free agent Daryl Worley there as well. The defense under Mike Nolan has preached that defensive backs need to be able to play both corner and safety, so other configurations could take place with players like Chidobe Awuzie.
As a veteran with more than four years experience, Clinton-Dix is immediately free to sign with another team and is not subject to the waiver process.
Clinton-Dix signed a one year contract with the Cowboys worth $3.75 million. $2.25 million of that was guaranteed including a $1.25 million signing bonus and another $1 million of base salary. The signing bonus will remain on Dallas’ books, however if there was offset language built into the deal, they may be able to escape the $1 million guaranteed base salary hit if and when he signs with another team this season.
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