Dallas Cowboys: 3 Players to let walk, cut and re-sign in 2019
By Randy Gurzi
Should be cut: Sean Lee, Linebacker
No one was a bigger defensive star for the Dallas Cowboys during his prime than Sean Lee during the past decade. Lee is a field general who can see the offensive game plan unfold before his eyes. He’s great at getting players in the right position and he’s been one of the best linebackers in the game — when healthy. And therein lies the problem — Lee is never healthy.
The veteran linebacker has been sidelined year-after-year with nagging injuries and 2018 has been no different for him. Where it has been different is for the Cowboys on the field. In year’s past, Lee missing time meant the defense was going to fall apart. In 2018, that hasn’t happened as rookie Leighton Vander Esch has stepped in and played lights out.
In 14 games, and nine starts, LVE has 117 tackles and two interceptions. He’s also fired his team up with his patented wolf howl after every big play. Vander Esch has given the Boys everything they had with Lee, and he’s still learning the game.
As for Lee, cutting him in 209 would save roughly $7 million in 2019 for Dallas (according to Over The Cap). Emotionally, it won’t be easy, and Lee will always be highly regarded in Dallas. He’s a star, he’s easy to root for, and he’s a heck of a football player.
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However, looking at it from a pure business standpoint, this is probably the easiest move to make. It saves money, which can be used to keep their young talent, and there’s already a replacement in-house.