5 Cowboys Who Should Be Cut Before Free Agency Opens

Brandin Cooks, WR

Another wide receiver that could save the Cowboys a ton of money in the offseason is Brandin Cooks. Unlike Gallup, however, the former Oregon State standout was still productive in his 2023 campaign.

Cooks finished last season with 54 receptions, 657 yards, and eight touchdowns in 16 games. After a slow start to the season, Cooks got better as he got used to the offense, scoring a touchdown in eight of his last twelve regular-season games. He had a massive 173-yard game against the Giants in Week 9.

Despite being 30, Cooks still has the speed and playmaking ability. He was a solid red-zone threat as the season went on. Yet, it is undeniable that he is not the 1,000+ yard receiver he used to be earlier in his career.

If he was on a cheaper deal, Cooks would certainly be a worthy depth option. But, he has a cap hit of $10 million, and the Cowboys can save $4 million if they cut him before June 1 or $8 million if they make him a post-June 1 cut.

Those savings are likely too good to pass on. Move Jalen Tolbert up the totem pole, and add a wide receiver in free agency and/or the draft and you can get similar production for cheaper.