The Dallas Cowboys have managed to find some absolute gems in the later rounds of the draft in recent years as players who were not initially thought to be difference-makers at the time of their selection developed into real contributors.
Unfortunately, one of those players who went from a sixth-round afterthought to a six-touchdown season in 2021 has found that the grass isn't always greener on the other side after leaving the Cowboys as a free agent for a three-year, $22.8 million deal.
Now, after a less-than-spectacular 2024 campaign, veteran wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. is on the hunt for a new home in the NFL after being released by the New Orleans Saints on Thursday. With this development, it is safe to wonder whether Wilson would have been better off sticking with Dallas after hitting free agency in 2022 rather than chasing the money.
Ex-Cowboys WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. Released by Saints Before Week 3
Following the 2021 season, in which Wilson set career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, racking up 45 catches for 602 yards and six scores, the former sixth-round draft pick elected to join the Miami Dolphins on a $22.8 million deal rather than re-signing with the Cowboys.
At the time, Wilson believed he would be a featured weapon on the outside in Miami. With what was thought to be a prime job in South Beach to go along with a major pay raise from what Wilson was earning on his rookie deal, the wideout jumped at the opportunity. What Wilson didn't see coming was the trade the Dolphins made for Tyreek Hill a week after he had signed with the franchise.
Naturally, Hill's addition to the fold led to Wilson having a much smaller role than he had anticipated. Wilson appeared in 30 games during his tenure in Miami, but even when you combine his statistics from those two seasons (34 catches, 432 yards, and three touchdowns), the wideout did not come close to matching the numbers he put up in his final year with the Cowboys.
There were rumors that Dallas could have interest in a reunion with Wilson on an extremely team-friendly contract once he hit the open market before the 2024 season. However, the Cowboys never extended an official offer to Wilson, and he signed with New Orleans instead.
With Dallas looking pretty set in the wide receiver room at this time, the likelihood of Wilson continuing his NFL career where it started seems rather slim. The 29-year-old will have to hope another franchise in need of help at wide receiver will give him an opportunity.