There is very little doubt that the Dallas Cowboys will be making major changes in 2024 to the roster. We've already seen the departure of Dan Quinn (head coach of the Commanders) and the reunion between Dallas and Mike Zimmer as the new defensive coordinator. What could this team do roster-wise to get over the proverbial hump?
Well, for starters, the Cowboys are going to have to look at what players are "anchors" on the current roster, and by that I mean players that are holding this team back. The Cowboys have been super loyal to a number of players through the years, and that loyalty has been a combination of admirable and sickening. They haven't always made the tough decisions when necessary, and they've made some unnecessary sacrifices at the worst possible time (Amari Cooper trade).
After a relatively uninspiring rookie class in 2023, the Cowboys may take a more "instant impact" approach to the 2024 NFL Draft, which could put some players' roster spots in jeopardy.
1. Chauncey Golston, DL
When I said earlier that the Cowboys have been loyal to guys, I think Chauncey Golston is a great example. This is a former third-round pick who has really not done anything of note for the Cowboys, and the team has even had to reload on the defensive line to supplement his lack of development as a former top-100 pick.
In three NFL seasons, and with the Cowboys having some clear needs on the defensive line for help, Golston hasn't yet managed to play 1,000 career snaps. Maybe he hasn't been a great fit for what Dan Quinn likes to do, but entering into a contract year in 2024, I wouldn't be shocked if Golston ends up getting cut or traded this offseason with a rookie taking his place on the roster.
2. Michael Gallup, WR
I think one of the most disappointing Cowboys players in recent memory is wide receiver Michael Gallup. That may seem like a hot take, but given the context of the whole situation surrounding him, it's probably fair.
The Cowboys gave Gallup an extension after seeing him look like the ideal NFL WR2 through his first couple of seasons in the league. He had 1,107 yards in just his second NFL season and it did appear as though he was on such a positive trajectory that the Cowboys could count on him continuing to climb and ascend as a player.
That didn't happen.
The Cowboys gave Gallup an extension in 2022, the same year they decided to trade Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns. Choosing Gallup over Cooper is a decision that has potentially cost the Cowboys when it comes to January football. It's clear that Cooper is on a different tier of player compared to Gallup, and the Cowboys made that difficult decision at the worst possible time.
The Cowboys could save $9.5 million if they make him a post-June 1 cut, which I think they could very well do depending on what we see happen in the 2024 NFL Draft. It may not happen before the draft, but the Cowboys could let Gallup go this Spring as well if they don't mind taking the risk.
One way or another, it might be the wisest option for Dallas to go with a rookie and take the cap savings on Gallup, who managed just 34 receptions in 17 games last season in one of the most prolific passing offenses across the league.
3. Nahshon Wright, DB
There will be plenty of interesting reshuffling happening all over the Dallas Cowboys defense, but another member of the 2021 NFL Draft class whose roster spot could be taken by a rookie is defensive back Nahshon Wright.
The Cowboys certainly went after a lot of tall, lanky defensive backs while Dan Quinn was around. He has a "type" at the position, and they threw a lot of darts at guys like that. Unfortunately, things haven't worked out to the point that Nahshon Wright has any reason to stick around this season.
If Quinn was his biggest advocate, his biggest advocate is no longer in the building. Perhaps he would have a better opportunity to play if the Cowboys let him go and he was able to sign with Washington. As much talent as he has, he only played 50 defensive snaps last season.
As you would expect with a player of his size and speed, Wright has carved out a role on special teams, but is that going to be enough for the Cowboys to keep him around if they draft someone else in 2024 that has a better chance of also contributing defensively?
We could see multiple former top-100 picks on their way out of Dallas in 2024.
More Dallas Cowboys news and analysis: