3 Players the Cowboys Won't Be Able to Keep This Offseason

Ahead of Mike McCarthy's first season as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, fans can expect a lot of change from last season's roster. Owner and GM Jerry Jones has a lot of soul-searching to do this offseason in regard to which Cowboys he'd like to re-sign and who he's OK with walking away from Dallas in free agency. With the extensions of quarterback Dak Prescott, receiver Amari Cooper and others looming, here are three players the Cowboys will likely be saying goodbye to this offseason.

3. Robert Quinn

Cowboys defensive end Robert Quinn celebrates after recording a tackle for loss against the New York Giants. / Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Defensive end Robert Quinn had trouble replicating his breakout 2013 campaign with the Rams before returning to a similar form with the Cowboys last season. Quinn exploded for 50 tackles and 19 sacks in his third year in the NFL before dropping off in the following seasons. Dallas acquired Quinn from the Dolphins in exchange for a 2020 sixth-round pick, and the edge-rusher eclipsed the 10-sack mark for the first time since 2014. The 29-year-old is back to being a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end and is likely subject to a big pay day in free agency this offseason.

2. Randall Cobb

Cowboys receiver Randall Cobb turns for the end zone in a game against the Washington Redskins. / Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

The Cowboys have had their depth issues at wide receiver over the last few seasons, and bringing in Randall Cobb hardly helped. The 29-year-old wideout saw success with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers from 2011 to 2018, but faced regression last season in Dallas. Cobb was third on the team in receiving yards and fifth in touchdowns in 2019. You'd think Cobb would re-sign with former head coach Mike McCarthy at the helm in Dallas, but the Cowboys aren't in a position to follow up on their one-year, $5 million deal with him from last offseason.

1. Byron Jones

Cowboys defensive back Byron Jones celebrates a pass breakup against the Philadelphia Eagles. / Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The market for defensive back Byron Jones will be incredibly competitive this offseason. After a shaky start to his pro career at cornerback, Jones moved over to safety ahead of the 2018 season, where he came into his own with the Cowboys. While the 29-year-old hasn't recorded an interception since 2017, he's really stepped up his coverage and shown versatility in defending both receivers and tight ends. Jones is considered one of the top defensive free agent targets of the 2020 offseason and Dallas won't be able to meet his high asking price.