3 Dallas Cowboys veterans who could be bumped off the roster

Dallas Cowboys veterans: Dante Fowler Jr

I think Dante Fowler Jr is going to make the roster. That should be on record. But I don’t think that’s by any means a given like some like to think. The player sold as a consolation prize to the loss of Randy Gregory will have to beat younger players out in order to claim a roster spot on the Dallas Cowboys this season.

Dante Fowler has a tenuous status on the Cowboys. He only has one season with over eight sacks on his career resume (a season far too many Cowboys fans are clinging to) and was signed to a very low dollar deal with low level guarantees. The Cowboys can cut him quite easily.

Dorance Armstrong is likely to be the starter opposite DeMarcus Lawrence and Fowler will have to work into a rotation behind one of them (likely Armstrong). Sam Williams, the Dan Quinn project pick, looks like he’ll have the inside track as a situational pass-rusher. If the rookie proves viable, that bumps Fowler down and makes him a redundant piece.

Micah Parsons will also vie for his share of EDGE snaps as well (rightfully so) leaving very few premium snaps to the depth behind. Fowler is decent against the run so he’s not worthless if he’s forced into a rotation on the sub-optimal downs, but the Cowboys will likely give their young guys the benefit of the doubt and may see a one-year rental like Fowler as roadblock and progress-stopper.