The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff exit marked the end of the road for several key players on the team, don’t expect the Boys to look the same in 2023.
The Dallas Cowboys had a disappointing exit from the NFL playoffs after a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. The loss has led to fingers being pointed at various individuals for the defeat. The three people most responsible for the Cowboys’ latest playoff flop are Brett Maher, Mike McCarthy, and Dak Prescott.
3 Dallas Cowboys players who have played their last game for the team
Needless to say, the playoff exit in 2023 has left fans with a sour taste in their mouths, but it also leaves the front office with a number of difficult decisions to make in the offseason. One of the biggest questions facing the team is whether they will be able to retain some of their key players who are set to hit free agency.
One of the most pressing issues for the Cowboys is the future of running back Tony Pollard. Pollard had a breakout year in 2022, rushing for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns. With Ezekiel Elliott already commanding a significant portion of the team’s salary cap, it remains to be seen if the Cowboys will be willing to pay Pollard what he could command on the open market, especially if they decide to use the franchise tag on him.
Another player whose future is uncertain is safety Donovan Wilson. Wilson has been a key contributor to the Cowboys’ defense this season, and his strong performances have earned him a significant pay raise in free agency. However, with the team already committed to paying several other high-priced players, it may be difficult for the Cowboys to keep him on the roster.
On top of these free-agent decisions, the Cowboys also have to consider the future of some of their young stars like Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons, who will be eligible for extensions in the coming years. Additionally, the team’s current contracts with Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot will also play a role in their ability to retain these players.
It’s clear that the Cowboys’ front office has a lot to consider in the coming months. The decisions they make will have a significant impact on the team’s future success and fans will be eager to see which players will be back in Dallas next season, these players won’t be. A name that isn’t mentioned on this list is Brett Maher, he lost his spot during the playoffs.
3. Cooper Rush, QB
Who can forget the storm Cooper Rush caused when he went from backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys to starter filling in for an injured Dak Prescott?
There was a stretch where he was on fire, proving himself to be a capable starter when given the chance. Rush has stepped up and led the Cowboys to a 4-1 record. Rush’s performance was so good, some wondered if he should’ve stayed the starter. That was a bit of a stretch.
Still, Rush’s streak featured flashes of vindicating the idea that he’s ready to be a starter in the NFL. One of those flashes came on a Monday night comeback against the New York Giants. When given the opportunity Rush proved why a team should take a flyer on him. A team with salary cap space may want to pay a high price for a guy who can come in and compete for a starting job. At the very least he could sign for more money on a team where he knows he has a legit shot.
Rush’s performance on the field has earned him a new contract. Unfortunately, with the Cowboys having limited cap space, it’s unlikely that they will be able to afford him as a backup.
2. Leighton Vander Esch, LB
Leighton Vander Esch has been a key player for the Dallas Cowboys’ defense in recent years, making a name for himself as one of the most talented and impactful linebackers in the league. However, despite his impressive performances on the field, the Cowboys may not be able to keep him on the team due to financial constraints.
One of the biggest reasons the Cowboys may not be able to retain Vander Esch is the team’s current salary cap situation. With several key players set to become free agents in the coming offseason, the Cowboys will likely have to make some difficult decisions about who to keep and who to let go. In addition, the team will also likely have to use the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard, which will eat up a significant amount of cap space.
They don’t make linebackers like Vander Esch anymore. He’s 6’4″ and 245 pounds with excellent length and shedding ability. Linebacker-needy teams around the league will likely be willing to overpay for a player with his potential and talent. Vander Esch’s leadership and his success on the field will make him one of the most sought-after free agents in the league.
Given the Cowboys’ young talent, they will want to invest in and extend their contracts. Micah Parsons is coming up soon. With Vander Esch reaching the end of his contract and being a free agent, it is likely that the Cowboys will have to choose between keeping him or investing in the youth of the team. Sorry, but he’s gone.
1. Dalton Schultz, TE
The Dallas Cowboys have a tough decision to make when it comes to tight end Dalton Schultz. With the franchise tag looming for running back Tony Pollard, the team may not have the financial flexibility to retain Schultz, who is set to become a free agent in the offseason.
Schultz had a breakout season in 2022, recording 78 receptions for 808 yards and 8 touchdowns. He established himself as one of the most complete tight ends in the NFL, showing a strong ability to catch the ball, block, and run routes. He was a vital part of the Cowboys’ offense, often serving as a safety valve for quarterback Dak Prescott.
Schultz’s numbers from the 2022 season speak for themselves, and it is clear that he will command a significant salary in free agency. With the tight end market already being high in the NFL, teams will be clamoring to sign Schultz, who has proven that he can be a valuable asset to any offense.
The Cowboys will likely lose Schultz, and it will be a significant blow to the team. He has become a key piece of the Cowboys’ offense, and his absence will be felt next season. While the Cowboys have a deep roster, they will need to find a replacement for Schultz who can fill his role in the offense. It will be a difficult task to replace such a talented and versatile player, but the Cowboys will have to find a way to do it if they want to continue competing in the NFC East.