The Dallas Cowboys cornerback room is a highly talented bunch. It starts with the one and two in Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, and Jourdan Lewis is no scrub either. The deeper into the depth, the more talent seems to crop up. Although the Cowboys let go of a coach they couldn’t lose in Al Harris, there’s still a lot to be said for this room. Unfortunately, many of them won’t return to wear the star.
Which Dallas Cowboys Cornerbacks Should Be Retained in Free Agency
Dallas Cowboys Cornerbacks: Depth High and Low
Jourdan Lewis remains the biggest name on the list for Cowboys cornerbacks entering into free agency. Lewis has pretty much never had a bad season. This year especially, he was called upon to step up his game while DaRon Bland was on injured reserve, and he didn’t disappoint. He posted career highs in total tackles, finishing with 71. Also, Lewis managed to snag an interception, something he has done every single season of his career except 2020. Lewis was effective in helping stop the run, clocking 2.5 stuffs this season. There isn’t anything he can’t do.
Due to injuries, the Cowboys cycled through most of their depth at the corner, and everyone showed up and showed out. Andrew Booth Jr. showed some budding potential. So did Amani Oruwariye, who caught an interception and managed a few pass deflections. In only a few games, he managed to consistently play with a fire for a team plagued with injuries. Both of them will be available in free agency along with Lewis.
Osa Odighizuwa or Jourdan Lewis–The Cowboys Conundrum
Of course, though, Lewis will be the Cowboys focus. After eight seasons of high-level play, how couldn’t he be? The biggest issue the Cowboys might face when it comes to Lewis will be that his stock is higher. He isn’t a small fish anymore. In fact, he had to prove that he was more than capable multiple times this past season due to Bland and Diggs being injured. He’s reliable and dangerous on the field.
But the same can be said about Odighizuwa, who is also set to hit free agency. If the Cowboys plan on renewing Micah Parsons, then it’ll pinch the budget for keeping both Lewis and Odighizuwa. It makes the most sense to keep Odighizuwa and release Lewis. There’s clearly more depth at cornerback and the players still on the roster have the potential to develop. But the same cannot be said for defensive tackle. There isn’t anyone behind Odighizuwa, which is why they need him slightly more than they need Lewis.
With some massive restructuring, the Cowboys could retain all three. It’s possible depending on the price tag Parsons will tote. And if they can, they should. Lewis plays well with Diggs and Bland, whenever they’re all on the field. Disappointingly, it didn’t happen often during injuries. If everyone is healthy, the backfield will be a force to reckon with.
Dallas Cowboys Cornerbacks That Need to Step Up
As free agency draws nearer, many players will depart. A big part of that will be the cornerback room, who could lose a staggering three players. They can’t keep everyone. And so, it comes down to prioritizing. Who are the most important pieces of the puzzle? Lewis is the easy answer, although Oruwariye has a fire needed on field too.
Losing these guys will likely cause the Cowboys to pull from the draft to fill in the gaps. Both Caelen Carson and Kemon Hall showed incredible potential for what they’ll become given more time. Once Josh Butler is back from injury, he will shine with ability too. Hopefully, that’ll be more than enough for the Cowboys in 2025.
Main Photo: Tim Heitman – Imagn Images
