Dallas Cowboys Roster Decisions Raise Eyebrows as Underperformers Retain Spots

Four players on the Dallas Cowboys roster should be feeling fortunate this season. Despite ongoing struggles and team shuffling, they have retained their spots. The team has battled injuries and made trades all year. Yet, these individuals have survived longer than their performance merits.The NFL‘s roster cut process is notoriously brutal. Hundreds lose jobs annually. The regular season makes moves harder, but some Cowboys have defied expectations.

Cowboys Roster Holds Surprising Survivors

Several Cowboys players remain despite poor on-field results. Team needs and contract situations have protected them. This has created confusion among fans and analysts.Jack Sanborn is one such player. He was expected to be a key linebacker. A groin injury has sidelined him for over a month. Even before that, his run defense was poor.Pro Football Focus ranks him 68th out of 83 linebackers in run defense. His $1.5 million salary makes him an easy cut candidate. The team waived Damone Clark instead, a lucky break for Sanborn.Cornerback Trikweze Bridges is another. The team waived higher-investment player Kaiir Elam over him. Bridges was a waiver claim just before the season started.His coverage grade is a low 37.7 per PFF. He has allowed a 105.5 passer rating when targeted. He likely would not be on most other NFL rosters right now.

Depth Chart Realities Shield Ineffective Players

Team needs often trump performance. This is clear with rookie defensive tackle Jay Toia. The trade of Mazi Smith to the Jets likely saved Toia’s spot.Toia has been a healthy scratch recently. He has only appeared in five games. His run-defense grade is an abysmal 29.6Veteran linebacker Kenneth Murray draws the most fan frustration. His $5.9 million salary makes a cut unlikely. Coaches continue to defend his role despite clear metrics.According to Pro Football Focus, his 28.8 run-defense grade is last among qualifying linebackers. He ranks near the bottom in overall defensive grade. His continued significant playing time baffles many observers.

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The current Dallas Cowboys roster reflects a team managing injuries and unmet expectations. While winning helps mask deficiencies, these roster decisions could become focal points if performance dips, highlighting the delicate balance between investment, potential, and on-field production.

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Why hasn’t Kenneth Murray been benched?

His contract and first-round pedigree give him significant leeway. Coaches also cite his veteran presence and specific role assignments, despite statistical evidence of his struggles.

Could these players be cut soon?

It becomes harder to cut players during the season due to practice and depth needs. Any move would likely follow an injury return or a new player acquisition that provides an upgrade.

Who is the most surprising player still on the roster?

Rookie Jay Toia’s retention is notable. With a strong defensive tackle rotation, his minimal play and poor grades make him a prime candidate for release if the team needs a roster spot.

Does this indicate poor roster management?

It highlights the challenge of balancing salary, draft capital, and immediate performance. Every team carries underperformers; the issue is magnified when the depth behind them is also thin.

What sources are used for player grades?

This analysis cites performance data from Pro Football Focus (PFF). Roster move context is based on widespread reporting from trusted news agencies covering the NFL.