5 Potential NFL surprise training camp cuts include Chiefs, 49ers players

5 potential NFL training camp surprise cuts

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Mohamed Sanu #14 of the New England Patriots celebrates during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Dolphins defeat the Patriots 27-24. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 7: Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Houston, Texans. The Texans defeated the Cowboys in overtime 19-16. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Tyrone Crawford – Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys defensive line did not produce to the desired level last season and the Cowboys made several additions to improve their depth in the trenches in free agency and the draft.

On the edge, Bradlee Anae was drafted in the fifth round while the Cowboys signed Aldon Smith as their reclamation project. Smith has not played a down since 2015 but, if he has anything left, defensive line coach Jim Tomsula – his position coach with the 49ers – should be able to harness it.

In addition to Anae and Smith, the Cowboys will hope to finally get sustained production out of Randy Gregory if and when he is reinstated from his indefinite suspension. Dorance Armstrong also figures to be in competition for pass-rush snaps and, though there it is mainly questions-marks behind DeMarcus Lawrence and Crawford on the edges, the latter could prove expendable if the Cowboys get some answers they like.

The Cowboys, factoring in a $1.1 million dead cap charge, would save $8 million by releasing the 30-year-old Crawford, who is coming off an unproductive injury-curtailed season.

For a team still looking to get franchise quarterback Dak Prescott tied to a long-term deal, that may be too much of an incentive to pass up should their investment in depth on the edge pay dividends.

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