11 hours ago
Five Cowboys Cut Candidates As Training Camp Nears
Five Cowboys Cut Candidates As Training Camp Nears originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Training camp is getting closer and with it comes the harsh reality of roster cut candidates.
The Dallas Cowboys enter this period with a revamped roster and a new coaching staff that's making everybody earn every position and every rep. … And a handful of players could now be walking into Oxnard with a target on their back.
Advertisement
Damone Clark is one of them. His leadership, toughness, and recovery story from spinal fusion surgery are beyond admirable. But in a linebacker room now featuring Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn, Kenneth Murray Jr., Shemar James, and the return of DeMarvion Overshown, Clark's $3.3 million cap hit suddenly becomes a real conversation.
The Cowboys could cut him, save over $3 million in cap space, and take on just $60,000 in dead money.
There's no question about Clark's character and football ability at full health — but he simply may find himself the odd man out if a cheaper, younger linebacker earns the trust of the new staff.
Tyrus Wheat is another potential cut candidate. He had his shot — and it came amidst a plethora of injuries and opportunity in 2024. Still, he didn't make his mark. Now, much like the linebacker position, after the addition of three edges in free agency and the draft, including second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku, he could get lost in a crowded and talented edge room.
Advertisement
At running back, the surprise cut candidate name might be Miles Sanders.
Yes, he ran with the 1s during OTAs and minicamp. But that was likely a nod to his veteran status, not necessarily his long-term value. Javonte Williams is the money back. Jaydon Blue brings home-run ability. Phil Mafah is the physical outlier. Deuce Vaughn's short-area quickness is too unique to dismiss. And Hunter Leupke is the swiss army knife for his ability to play three different positions.
Sanders being the elder statesman in the room will certainly bring some value, but as far as his physical ability goes, he's not exactly unique to the rest of the group. This is going to be a fascinating competition to track.
by Mike Fisher
View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article
Advertisement
Matt Waletzko is another player on borrowed time. Drafted for his rare athleticism, his career has been wrecked by injuries. He's played in just 11 games in three years and enters a packed offensive line room full of experienced veterans and up and coming prospects. Nate Thomas, Asim Richards, and Ajani Cornelius to name a few. Add in the fact that Waletzko no longer has a 'sponsor' in the building and it's easy to see the writing on the wall.
And then there's Andrew Booth — a former second-round pick the Cowboys took a flier on last offseason. He struggled significantly when injuries forced him into extended snaps down the stretch in 2024.
Dallas responded by drafting Shavon Revel Jr., a corner with first-round pedigree who only fell due to injury. And trading for former first round pick Kaiir Elam who's been the talk of OTA's and Minicamp so far. It seems as if Booth's best shot at sticking will be tied to the health and rehabilitation of others — not necessarily his own performance.
Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
View the 1 images of this gallery on the original article
Advertisement
In a normal offseason, some of these players might survive. But this isn't a normal offseason. The Cowboys are deeper, the pressure is real, and the standard under this new staff is clear: compete every day, and earn every rep — or you're out.
Related: Why The Cowboys Must Ignore Trevon Diggs Update News
Related: Cowboys Update Diggs Rehab Amid Positive Trade Buzz On Elam at Mandatory Minicamp
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
