3 Dallas Cowboys who could be cut before Week 1
By Randy Gurzi
Dallas Cowboys potential cut No. 2: Tarell Basham, EDGE
Pick Analysis. EDGE. player. 123. Scouting Report. Cowboys. Tarell Basham. 2
Losing Randy Gregory was less than ideal and could be a reason for the Cowboys to hang onto veteran defensive end Tarell Basham. Signed last season after spending time with the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets, Basham was a solid contributor in his first season in Dallas.
He suited up for all 17 games, with six starts, and had a career-high 39 tackles while tying his personal best with 3.5 sacks. So why would he be in trouble with one fewer person ahead of him? Because Dallas has invested in the position in other ways.
During the 2021 NFL Draft, they used a Round 3 pick on Iowa’s Chauncey Golston. The 6-foot-5. 268-pound Golston looks the part and played well as a rookie. He had 32 tackles and a sack in a rotational role and could carve out more of a role in 2022.
The Cowboys also used a Round 2 pick this season on Sam Williams from Ole Miss. Williams had 12.5 sacks in his final season in the NCAA and while he’s not guaranteed to be the starter Week 1, it would be surprising to see him not be in that role by the end of the year.
Dallas also brought back Dorance Armstrong who had a career-high five sacks last year. Still, he likely won’t start despite his performance since the Cowboys added Dante Fowler, Jr. in free agency.
Fowler is likely the top guy on the fight side with Williams, Golston, and Armstrong serving as the primary reserves. That could lead to Basham being let go before the season begins.