The Cowboys are down to their final preseason tune-up, and Friday night against the New Orleans Saints could go a long way toward sorting out a few lingering roster questions.
With the regular season now just two weeks away, the biggest decisions left aren’t about game plans or depth charts in the abstract. They’re about jobs. A handful of players have put themselves in position to force the issue, while one area in particular still looks like it could use outside help before the opener.
The clearest battle may be at linebacker. That was one of the soft spots heading into camp, especially with DeMarvion Overshown’s injury history and Dee Winters bringing limited starting experience.
But the position has turned into one of the brighter developments of the summer. Rookie Jaishawn Barham has surged into the conversation despite missing time with a groin injury, and there’s a case to be made that he’s been one of the Cowboys five best players this offseason.
Winters has also put together a strong camp and preseason, giving the room a steadier feel next to Overshown. A year ago, Dallas had trouble even finding one reliable linebacker.
Now the picture looks much better, with Barham, Winters, Overshown, and maybe even Shemar James making real progress in year two. When the Cowboys line up against the New York Giants to open the season, they’ll have two solid choices to pair with Overshown.
Another name that has forced his way into the discussion is Camden Brown. The UDFA has been one of the standout players of camp and preseason, and he’s done far more than just make up the numbers.
Brown has shown enough to belong on the final 53-man roster, but the math is complicated. The Cowboys’ receiver group is crowded, Jonathan Mingo has made offseason strides, and there are roster spots needed on the defensive side.
That leaves Brown in a tricky spot, with his chances of making the team looking close to even as he tries to avoid clearing waivers and ending up on the practice squad.
The biggest remaining question, though, may be at cornerback. For weeks, there have been rumors that Dallas has been searching for veteran help at the position.
DaRon Bland, Cobie Durant, Shavon Revel Jr., and Caleb Downs are expected to handle most of the snaps, but there are reasons to want more behind them. Bland’s injury history and Revel’s lack of experience leave the depth chart looking thinner than ideal.
Adoree Jackson has been linked to the Cowboys because of his relationship with Christian Parker, but whether it’s Jackson or another veteran on the market, the message is clear: the Cowboys don’t sound settled at corner right now.
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