Just days after signing defensive end Carl Lawson to a one-year deal, the Cowboys have already moved on, releasing the veteran pass rusher and eyeing other options on the free agent market. To some, this lack of commitment could be seen as fickle behavior and a poor character trait of the franchise. To others, it’s a sign of their refusal to settle and commitment to improve.
Former Cowboys coach and NFL Hall of Famer Bill Parcells was certainly proponent of the process. He believed churning the bottom of the roster was a continuous process. Teams who were dedicated to improving should always have an eye on upgrades.
Roster churn has both a physical and mental impact on the team. Of course, there was the physical removal and addition, but in some ways, everyone was essentially put on notice by just knowing they could be replaced with an outside entity at any time. Parcells, like many coaches, thrived with the psychology of the sport. He constantly downplayed it and even played dumb to the media about it, but he was a master motivator and appeared to only be comfortable when others are uncomfortable.
Early in 2024 it became extremely clear the Cowboys were not loaded with the will or resources needed to upgrade the roster. Choosing to roll the whole thing back another year, the front office asked the team to improve from within. For months there was very little competition and very little churn. Things felt comfortable on the roster.
But now, just days before the season opener against Cleveland, Dallas is churning and making things very uncomfortable for more than a few Cowboys players trying to make the 53-man roster.
The Cowboys have released veteran DE Carl Lawson, who joined them late in training camp, per sources. Could potentially return to the practice squad. There was no guaranteed money in the one-year deal he signed.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 27, 2024
Dallas running backs, for instance, aren’t just competing amongst themselves but also against RBs all over the league.
The #Cowboys might not be done: Sources say 4x Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook is flying to Dallas tonight for a visit.
Unlike a year ago, when he was rehabbing from shoulder surgery, Cook has hit the weights all offseason and says he feels the best he has in years. pic.twitter.com/jT9Zsf91qB
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 26, 2024
Cowboys defensive tackles don’t just need to be the best options on the team, but the best options available in the NFL.
Interesting note: The Commanders have let teams know that DT John Ridgeway is available for trade, per sources.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 27, 2024
Additions need to hit the ground running in Dallas or replacements will be found. And this time of year, when 32 teams are aggressively trying to cut rosters down to 53, replacement options are everywhere.
In addition to RB Dalvin Cook, the Cowboys are scheduled to meet with DE Tyus Bowser, who played for the Baltimore Ravens. Injuries kept him off the field for most of the last two years.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 27, 2024
Roster churn is a good thing, in more ways than one. Now that the dollar figures have fallen off a cliff, the Cowboys are finally embracing the idea of adding competition and pressure to their roster. With any luck it will yield a few useful pieces as the Cowboys try to plug holes and address deficiencies.
Hey, it’s Bill Parcells approved.