For many professional players, job security becomes an unpredictable challenge, especially during the offseason. With the looming 2024 NFL Draft on the horizon, we delve into the precarious situations of five Dallas Cowboys players. Their uncertain roster positions could be significantly affected by the influx of new talent from the upcoming draft. This examination is crucial for fans and analysts alike, as it reveals which veterans might be at risk of losing their spots in favor of fresh, promising rookies.

Every player on the roster faces some level of uncertainty regarding their positions. The unpredictable nature of injuries and other unforeseen circumstances can swiftly alter a player’s status. A prime example is Tony Romo’s situation in 2016, which underscores how quickly things can change. However, there exists a stark contrast in confidence levels between standout players like Micah Parsons and Tyler Smith, compared to those like Josh Ball and Nahshon Wright, who face significant uncertainty as the draft and training camp approach.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the five players who should be feeling the heat as the draft approaches. While discussions about which players are on the roster bubble typically occur during training camp, these individuals are already feeling the pressure. If the Dallas Cowboys decide to bring in additional high-caliber talent at their positions, it’s likely that these players will find themselves relegated to the sidelines, potentially losing their roster spots when training camp concludes in Oxnard.

Assessing the Future of OL Josh Ball and OT Matt Waletzko

Despite being in their third and fourth seasons on the offensive line, respectively, both Josh Ball and Matt Waletzko lack a definitive role heading into the new year. Younger prospects, some of whom are even undrafted, have generated more excitement and buzz as they enter the offseason, putting pressure on these incumbents to perform at a higher level.

The Cowboys took a chance on Ball in the fourth round of the 2021 draft due to concerns about his character. While he hasn’t faced any major off-field issues in the NFL, he has yet to develop into a starting offensive tackle or a consistent backup option. In fact, Ball spent a considerable amount of time playing guard last season before a hip injury cut his third year short. The Cowboys stand to save approximately $1 million in cap space if they decide to release him. To retain his place on the team, Ball must make a remarkable improvement and prove his value significantly exceeds this cost.

Waletzko’s situation is also concerning as he has struggled with shoulder injuries since his college days. The Dallas Cowboys have shown a willingness to invest in players they believe in, even when they face health challenges, as evidenced by their commitment to running back Rico Dowdle. Yet, if Waletzko fails to contribute meaningfully during his third training camp, it’s easy to envision his exit from the team. His performance must significantly improve to secure a spot on the roster.

Adding to the competition, the Cowboys have second-year prospect Asim Richards vying for a role in the offensive line mix. They also re-signed veteran Chuma Edoga, enhancing their depth at the position. Additionally, T.J. Bass has emerged as a potential starter or key backup, while center Brock Hoffman and three returning starters add further complexity to the lineup. With the possibility of drafting more offensive linemen, Ball and Waletzko’s chances of making the final roster appear increasingly slim.

Evaluating the Future of DE Chauncey Golston

Entering his third season, Chauncey Golston is already 26 years old and was drafted under the previous defensive coordinator. Similar to Ball, Golston finds himself with a hefty cap number in the final year of his rookie contract. Releasing him would allow the Cowboys to recoup over $1.2 million, placing Golston in a precarious position as the offseason unfolds.

Several factors work in Golston’s favor despite the challenges. With veterans Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler moving on to Washington, the depth at the defensive end position has thinned out. This leaves Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Sam Williams as the primary rotation members for next season. Moreover, the arrival of Mike Zimmer as the new coordinator could allow Golston to return to a more natural role at defensive end rather than being shuffled around. While he may not excel as a pass rusher, he could provide valuable support in run defense as a backup to Lawrence.

However, second-year prospect Villiami Fehoko is a potential threat to Golston’s roster spot, as he shares a similar physique and playing style. If the Cowboys opt to draft additional defensive ends, they will likely focus on acquiring pass rushers to fill the void left by Armstrong and Fowler. As it stands, Golston and Fehoko will likely compete for a spot on the roster at training camp in Oxnard. If their performances are closely matched, Fehoko’s advantage as the younger contender may sway the decision in his favor.

Analyzing CB Nahshon Wright and DB Israel Mukuamu’s Roster Security

Two more players in the secondary, Nahshon Wright and Israel Mukuamu, are also in urgent need of a turnaround to secure their careers. Although they entered the league with different expectations in 2021, both find themselves against the clock, facing higher cap hits and competition from younger prospects as they approach the final stages of their rookie contracts.

Similar to Golston, Wright was selected as a third-round draft pick by Dallas three years ago. Unfortunately, he has yet to make a significant impact, rarely seeing defensive action and even sitting out some games. Both Wright and Kelvin Joseph were swiftly surpassed on the cornerback depth chart by DaRon Bland in 2022, and Joseph’s struggles last season raise concerns about Wright’s future. It was surprising that Wright even made the roster last season, and it would be quite shocking if he managed to do so again this year.

Conversely, Mukuamu, drafted in the sixth round in 2021, carries slightly less burden than Wright or Joseph. Expectations were high for the versatile defensive back after a solid performance during Dallas’ playoff loss to the 49ers in 2022. However, those promising flashes failed to carry over into the last season. Currently, Mukuamu is vying for the fourth cornerback position, at best, while being surpassed by undrafted prospects like Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas at safety.

The Cowboys have a solid trio of cornerbacks with Trevon Diggs, Bland, and Jourdan Lewis. If they draft a player of significance, that rookie would likely claim the fourth cornerback spot. Additionally, Eric Scott, a sixth-round pick last year, received substantial praise during training camp. If Scott continues to develop, he could leapfrog both Wright and Mukuamu, who each would cost the Cowboys over $1 million in cap space if released.

It’s important to remember that even as August approaches, cap space remains valuable for two main reasons. First, it can provide flexibility in acquiring reinforcements throughout the season in response to injuries. Second, as the Cowboys understand, any unused cap space rolls over into the following year. Thus, if Dallas can clear out some underperforming or overpaid players, it could create additional financial flexibility for the 2025 season.

Assuming all of these players make it to training camp, they will undoubtedly be given opportunities to showcase their skills. The Cowboys’ more conservative offseason approach has at least afforded these players a greater chance to retain their spots compared to a spending spree. However, based on recent performances, none of the five players mentioned seem to have secured a guaranteed future with the organization.