With free agency beginning Wednesday, Dallas Cowboys conerback, Orlando Scandrick has requested to be released, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. The Cowboys defensive backfield hasn’t been a particular strong point, but Scandrick was a solid contributor over his nine seasons in Dallas. This poses a problem for the Cowboys finding a suitable replacement in the secondary.[heading]Potential Replacements[/heading]Scandrick dealt with a back injury in 2017 forcing the Cowboys to turn their group of youngsters. Rookies Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis were on the outside and Xavier Woods played the slot cornerback.
There is also the expectation that Byron Jones will be moved from his starting safety spot over the past two years back to cornerback.[heading]Future For Scandrick[/heading]At 31, Scandrick is signed through 2019. He is expected to get $3M and $4M respectively those two years. A release or trade will open $1.4M in cap space for Dallas.
Scandrick was drafted in the fifth round in 2008 by the Cowboys and eventually beat out that years first round pick Mike Jenkins for playing time. Scandrick solidified a starting role in 2013 but has recently been plagued with injuries. Most notably he tore his ACL and MCL in his knee prior to the 2015 season.
The New Orleans Saints began trade talks with the Cowboys last year around draft time, but nothing ever came of it. The Saints are still in need of a corner, and Scandrick could fit perfectly. Dallas needs to begin their search for a replacement, but the position switch by Jones could make that unnecessary. The Cowboys are needing to strengthen their secondary regardless, so be on the lookout for them to address it this offseason.