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5 players the Dallas Cowboys gave up on way too early

By Sayre Bedinger

Nov. 27, 2008; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov. 27, 2008; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Cowboys have a tremendous, rich history of great players coming and going, but what players did the team give up on way too soon? There are a handful of examples, and you don’t even hardly need to leave the last couple of decades to find them.

Unfortunately, this is true for many NFL teams. Fortunately for the players, however, the end of their stories with the Dallas Cowboys merely marked the beginning of something new. One chapter ended, and another began.

Which players have the Dallas Cowboys given up on way too soon in the franchise’s recent history? There are some big names on that list. We’ve narrowed it down to just five players.

5 players the Dallas Cowboys gave up on way too soon

Dallas Cowboys
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 11: Danny Amendola #80 of the New England Patriots carries the ball after the catch as Corey White #23 of the Dallas Cowboys and Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys try to make the tackle during the NFL game at AT&T Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Mike Stone/Getty Images) /

1. Danny Amendola, WR

Before he became one of Tom Brady’s “bros” in New England, before he even became a household name with the St. Louis Rams from 2009-2012, Danny Amendola was originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech by the Dallas Cowboys.

As a quick side note, not that any Dallas Cowboys fans need this validation, but this franchise is bordering on unparalleled when it comes to finding players in undrafted free agency.

The Cowboys signed Amendola straight out of Texas Tech, and while he didn’t make their roster in 2008, he did spend his entire rookie season on the Cowboys’ practice squad. They had this guy in the building for a full season.

Amendola quickly proved himself as a valuable slot receiver, punt returner, and kickoff returner with the Rams, and the New England Patriots actually signed him to replace legendary slot receiver Wes Welker in the 2013 offseason. Amendola played five seasons for the Patriots and was so clutch for them in the playoffs, catching 57 passes for over 700 yards and six touchdowns in 13 playoff games, winning multiple rings in the process.

And to think, his NFL career started with a “redshirt” year in Dallas…

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