Former Cowboy Could Lose His Job Before Training Camp Begins

Former Dallas Cowboys guard Chuma Edoga (71)against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Former Dallas Cowboys guard Chuma Edoga (71)against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys have some much-needed excitement as they prepare for training camp. The Cowboys made a major move when they parted ways with former bench boss Mike McCarthy and hired Brian Schottenheimer as their next head coach, and a trade for George Pickens supplemented what Dallas is hoping will be a fruitful draft class.

While many of the Cowboys are enjoying the final days until the grind of camp begins, some may not make it there. The same can be said for some of the franchise's former players, such as an ex-Cowboys lineman who might lose his job in the coming weeks.

Former Cowboys Guard Chuma Edoga May Not Make it To Jaguars Training Camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars needed to improve their offensive line in front of Trevor Lawrence this offseason, and former Cowboys offensive lineman Chuma Edoga was a beneficiary. A two-year, $7 million contract seems like security for Edoga to stay on the roster entering training camp, but he could lose his job in the coming weeks.

That’s because the Jaguars didn’t stop at adding Edoga. Jacksonville signed top free agent guard Patrick Mekari to a three-year, $37.5 million contract to become their starting right guard in free agency and followed it up by selecting West Virginia guard Wyatt Milum in the third round of April’s draft.

With Ezra Cleveland locked in as the starting left guard, there wasn’t a chance for Edoga to claim a starting job moving over from tackle to guard. But Milum’s arrival also signals he’ll be competing for his job as a backup, which could create another issue on the road to training camp.

Edoga has had trouble protecting the passer dating back to his days with the New York Jets. In six seasons, Edoga has posted a Pro Football Focus pass blocking grade over 60.0 twice and allowed seven pressures and two sacks on 119 pass-blocking snaps last season.

Meanwhile, Milum thrives at stopping defensive linemen in their tracks. A four-year starter for the Mountaineers at left tackle, Milum hasn’t allowed a sack since 2022, and JP Acosta of SB Nation suggested that he’s a perfect fit as he moves inside to guard.

“I think some of the things that stood out with Milum is the grip strength and then the ability on combos and double teams to displace guys, which I think is going to really help inside rather than outside,” Acosta said on 1010 XL in Jacksonville after the draft. “He’s best in a gap scheme. I think he’s able to get downhill and get to linebackers really well at the second level.”

The NFL is obviously harder than the Big 12. But these were things Edoga hasn’t done as an established veteran in the league. A depth piece at this point in his career, the former Cowboys blocker may not be long for Jacksonville despite his contract, and it could be a surprising departure either before minicamp or soon after it begins.

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