A few Cowboys veterans are inching closer to a crucial training camp in their careers. With roster turnover and fresh faces being added this offseason, some older players could be fighting for spots heading into the season.
Especially with the rookie class, there are multiple players with prime opportunities to steal jobs from veterans on the roster.
Dallas lost out on a ton of their depth pieces during the offseason, and they mainly used the draft to address that. We got our first look at these Cowboys’ rookies during their mini-camp in May.
With training camp kicking off July 25th, the team and fans are set to get their best look yet at how they will stack up with the Cowboys veterans.
The Cowboys will depart for Oxnard July 23rd with the first day of practice tentatively slated for July 25th.
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) June 4, 2024
The young guys will come with their A-game, so the veterans are going to need to step up to keep their jobs.
With that in mind, here are three Cowboys veterans to monitor this training camp.
Defensive End Sam Williams
Few Cowboys veterans need a big season more than Defensive End Sam Williams.
Dallas’ 2nd-round pick in the 2022 draft, Williams has been the epitome of high highs and lower lows. One second, he is making a huge play flashing elite athleticism and potential, and the next, he is committing a 15-yard personal foul in a crucial moment.
Williams had both his best production rushing the passer last year, and his worst in the penalties department.
The Ole Miss product had a defense-leading eight penalties last year, including a roughing the kicker, running into the kicker, and a fair catch interference.
On the flip side, 4.5 sacks, a safety, and 7 quarterback hits.
Sam Williams must put the undisciplined play in his past and start utilizing his potential, after all, he can earn some serious playtime with Dorance Armstrong’s departure.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said that third-year DE Sam Williams “would like to play more” and will receive that opportunity in 2024 after DE Dorance Armstrong signed with Commanders. On Williams: “We think a lot of him, and he needs to step up.” pic.twitter.com/xAUevRqQox
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 23, 2024
If not, the Cowboys have a new 2nd-round pass-rusher in Marshawn Kneeland who could take his snaps away immediately.
I would not necessarily call Williams and Kneeland a training camp battle, but rather an evaluation of whether Williams has finally reached his potential to give him those snaps over the rookie.
We are getting to a make-or-break place with this Cowboys veteran and training camp will be a huge moment to see his performance and role heading into 2024.
Wide Receiver KaVontae Turpin
Much has been said this offseason about KaVontae Turpin, the Cowboys veteran who has handled the return game since 2022.
Since his rookie season at age 26, Turpin has been the subject of a lot of hype from fans.
His USFL background, speed, and game-breaking ability on special teams make him incredibly fun to watch. However, his impact offensively has yet to pop in the same way, but that might just change in 2024.
The Dallas Cowboys are releasing WR Michael Gallup and LB Leighton Vander Esch
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 15, 2024
With the release of Michael Gallup and no new addition outside of rookie Ryan Flournoy, Turpin will start the year as the WR4 on the depth chart.
That is higher than he has ever been, the question now is will he keep that spot?
He has yet to take on a serious offensive role, operating mainly as a trick-play weapon, so he will need to exhibit some more refined receiving skills in training camp.
With Jalen Brooks and Flournoy on his tail, KaVontae Turpin will need to show in camp that he is the Cowboys’ veteran receiver who needs an increase in snaps.
Linebacker Eric Kendricks
As the Cowboys’ only external defensive signing this offseason and former leader for Mike Zimmer, the weight of the Cowboys’ defense is on Eric Kendrick’s shoulders this season.
This former Pro Bowl linebacker has his work cut out for him, and training camp is going to be a major test.
At 32 years old, Kendrick’s prime is in the past, but his expectations and responsibilities in 2024 are bigger than ever.
Cowboys expected to sign LB Eric Kendricks. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/skp9XiCYoY
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2024
Dallas is banking on him to produce and lead as the captain of the defense.
The Cowboys veterans at linebacker include Kendricks and Damien Wilson, who likely won’t make the opening week 53-man roster. That means it is all young players alongside him in the linebacker room.
Players like Damone Clark, Marist Liufau, DeMarvion Overshown, and Markquese Bell are legitimate talents, but they won’t be asked to lead the ship; Eric Kendricks will.
Despite his older age, Kendricks will need a big season in 2024, or Dallas may call on a younger guy to take his spot.
Training camp will be the first real look at him and his abilities heading into his 10th NFL season. Can he get the Cowboys veterans and rookies on defense to follow his lead?
