Fansided

3 Cowboys who likely won’t be back with team in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Andy Dalton #14 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: Andy Dalton #14 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Andy Dalton, Dallas Cowboys
Andy Dalton (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

1. Andy Dalton

Dalton’s inclusion on this list might surprise some Cowboys fans. After all, he’s more than lived up to his $3 million salary in relief of Prescott this season. The problem Dallas faces is that Dalton is ticketed for unrestricted free agency this offseason.

Look for another team to make Dalton a superior financial offer to what Dallas will be willing to pay for a backup quarterback. Remember, the Cowboys are going to pay Prescott a small fortune to be their starter in 2021 no matter how they resolve his outstanding contract issues. Committing too much money to the quarterback position could prevent the Cowboys from filling more pressing needs elsewhere on the roster.

Letting Dalton go does not mean Dallas is ready to count on Ben DiNucci or Garrett Gilbert to ascend to the backup role next season. The Cowboys could easily look to this year’s draft to secure a signal-caller to groom behind Prescott. The volume of quality prospects in this class should work to Dallas’ advantage.

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Dalton could look to take a discount to stay in Dallas, but that’s the only way he’ll be returning to the Cowboys in 2021. His market value will be more than this team can afford. He’s played his way out of town with his solid work in McCarthy’s offense this year.

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