Dallas and other teams are also looking at possible roster cuts as there will be several big names available as salary cap casualties. We wrote previously about the Cowboys acquiring Rams corner Jalen Ramsey if he’s cut due to Los Angeles’ current salary cap situation, and according to an ESPN Jets reporter, there could be additional help for the defense available.
Jets
Rich Cimini, who covers the Jets for ESPN labeled edge rusher Carl Lawson as a potential cap casualty this offseason. That move would save the Jets $15.4 million in cap room.
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The Cowboys themselves will have at least a couple of salary cap casualties this offseason as they’re currently $7 million over the projected 2023 salary cap.
Will defensive end Dorance Armstrong, whose performance trailed off at the end of the season, be a cut? We don’t see that, but …
After registering eight sacks over the first 11 games, he was credited with just a half sack, three quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss over the final six contests.
Dallas would save almost $6 million by cutting Armstrong. But … nah. There are other, smarter ways to get cap-compliant.
Last season, meanwhile, Lawson had seven sacks, nine tackles for loss, 24 quarterback hits, and 51 quarterback pressures. That’s after he missed all of 2021 after rupturing his Achilles tendon in training camp.
The Cowboys could also lose Dante Fowler in free agency, who finished tied for third on the team with six sacks, and registered seven tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles.
If Fowler – who is a “Dan Quinn guy” – gone, Lawson could be a suitable replacement. … and collecting pass-rushers is important here because of how front-seven talent can free Micah Parsons to be coordinator Quinn’s movable chess piece.
Micah Parsons
Dallas has some important decisions to make regarding players in free agency this season as it hopes to take the next step in the playoffs with at least an NFC Championship appearance.