In order to complete their initial 53-man roster for the 2024 season, the Dallas Cowboys announced a round of roster cuts on Tuesday. Most of the actions were anticipated. It was simple to guess who would be starting as quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and cornerback.
The Cowboys made a few decisions that were genuinely unexpected, as usual. It was unexpected that Peyton Hendershot was traded to Kansas City. Matt Waletzko, an offensive lineman who was a complete bust in the preseason and had no business on the team, was also kept on.
Tight end is among the undrafted free agents that Surprisingly, Brevyn Spann-Ford was the only one to qualify. Spann-Ford is raw, but it is obvious the Cowboys did not want to take a chance on losing him to waivers. It is difficult to hold them accountable for it, but they also ought to have proceeded with caution. Wood Julius
Cowboys will be sorry to lose undrafted protection. Julius Wood to release
Wood, who was widely seen as the most likely of Dallas’ undrafted free agents to join the team, was claimed by the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday. Although it was wishful thinking, Cowboys supporters crossed their fingers that Wood would make it through waivers and rejoin the practice squad.
Wood organized a superb preseason and training camp. According to Pro Football Focus, he played every position in Mike Zimmer’s scheme, including 46 snaps in the box as a strong safety, 43 at free safety, and 15 in the slot. In coverage, he gave up two catches for five yards and two interceptions.
Wood, an East Carolina three-year starter, recorded three defensive stops—tackles that result in an offensive failure—and gave up a 30.6 passer rating. He had a fantastic combination with Zimmer because of his physicality against the run. He is, in every sense of the phrase, a playmaker.
Regretfully, Wood participated in a tight Cowboys safety room. The roster included Markquese Bell, Malik Hooker, Juanyeh Thomas, and Donovan Wilson. Dallas would not have been able to retain Wood since he would not be able to make the roster on game day, but organizations often have to take a risk in order to hang onto exceptional players.
Wilson and Hooker have contracts that expire in 2025, but beyond this season, neither player will receive any guaranteed money. Next offseason, the Cowboys might easily move on. It is not as absurd as you believe.
Wilson has a history of injuries and will turn 30 before the following season. In addition to his meniscus tear, double sports hernia surgery, torn ACL, and ruptured Achilles, Hooker, who will be 29 next year, has a history of injuries. Although his health has not declined since joining Dallas in 2021, his past is concerning.
Bell, 25, and Thomas, 24, are seen as the safety room’s future leaders. But after this season, they are both restricted free agents. Bringing them back will not break the bank, but their returns are not assured.
With Thomas and Bell both undrafted, Wood appeared to be the Cowboys’ next undrafted gem at safety. It would have been wonderful to have him apprentice under Wilson, Hooker, Thomas, and Bell before being given a major role in the end.
It’s not the end of the world that Wood got away, but it also wouldn’t surprise if he turns into a future starter in Tennessee. This feels like a decision that won’t take long to blow up in Dallas’ face.
