Former Cowboys Starter Now Available for Reunion After Release

With most preseason games now out of the way, the majority of franchises are busy making decisions on their rosters ahead of Tuesday's cutdown deadline. Sunday saw several clubs release dozens of players, including the Los Angeles Rams, who parted ways with a number of contributors.

One of the names cut by the Rams should immediately jump out to the Dallas Cowboys: defensive lineman Carlos Watkins.

Watkins, of course, spent two seasons in Dallas from 2021-22. He played a big role on the Cowboys' D-line, suiting up in 27 total games, including 14 starts during the 2021 campaign.

Fans might remember one play in particular from Watkins during that year, as the big man picked off New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown in what ultimately resulted in a 27-17 'Boys win.

The 2021 season remains arguably Watkins' best of his seven-year career, as he racked up 32 total tackles, a sack, five tackles for loss, two QB hits and a fumble recovery to his pick-six. His down 2022 campaign in Dallas (26 tackles, 0 sacks, 2 TFL) led to his exit, and the vet appeared in just two games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023.

That being said, Dallas loves reuniting with former players, especially those that previously produced and can be had for cheap.

The Cowboys have also been active in adding to the defensive line in recent days as well, agreeing to deals with both Linval Joseph and Carl Lawson while trading for Jordan Phillips. Those moves show the team is desperate for a veteran to come in and help, but there's no guarantee any of those guys work out.

Watkins is simply another option now available to fortify this D-line ahead of Week 1. If he remains on the market following preseason cuts, he's also someone Dallas could circle back around to for a boost if some of its new arrivals don't make an impact early on this season.

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