
The Cowboys need to make big strides in 2021 for Mike McCarthy to keep his job. That could mean replacing these three veterans with rookies this offseason.
In retrospect, the Cowboysā 2020 season ended the minute Dak Prescott went down. That doesnāt excuse Mike McCarthy and the rest of the Dallas roster for failing to compete in the weakest division on football. The NFC East was there for the taking and the Cowboys failed to take advantage.
That means big changes are coming to Big D in the offseason. Cowboysā officials hope a normal offseason program will help the team adjust to their relatively new coaching staff. The hiring of Dan Quinn as the new defensive coordinator should help that unit in 2021. Of course, the potential return of Prescott is arguably the biggest variable expected to go Dallasā way next season.
Change will not be limited to the coaching staff. Several big-name veterans are also going to be on their way out the door. Look for the following three players to be replaced by rookies selected in Aprilās NFL Draft.
3. Sean Lee
Lee has been a good player and a great leader for the Cowboys ever since being drafted by the franchise before the start of the 2010 regular season. Unfortunately, age has taken a toll on the veteran linebacker. He struggled to play just nine games this season and didnāt look very good when he was able to take the field. Itās probably time for Lee to retire.
Even if he doesnāt choose to hang up his cleats, Dallas needs to move on. The team should offer him a position on their coaching staff, but they should not give him another chance to remain on their active playing roster.
Fortunately, the Cowboys donāt need to spend a high pick to replace the limited production theyāve received from Lee over the past few seasons. Snagging someone like Chazz Surratt or Dylan Moses in Round 2 or 3 would give the team a significant upgrade. Dallas could conceivably wait until even later in the draft if theyāre willing to settle for a developmental prospect.