The Dallas Cowboys took a blow to their potential cornerback depth as Maurice Canady, who signed as a free agent in March, has voluntarily opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. He was expected to make the roster this year and perhaps contend for a large role in the CB rotation.
Canady signed a one-year deal to come to Dallas and compete with Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, and Anthony Brown for playing time. But the Cowboys would also go on to draft Trevon Diggs and Reggie Robinson and sign veteran Daryl Worley.
#Cowboys veteran CB Maurice Canady is taking a voluntary opt-out for this season, source says. He appeared in 13 games with three starts last year with the #Jets and #Ravens.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 27, 2020
The 5th-year veteran used his on Twitter account to confirm the report and provide a brief, but clear, explanation for his decision.
Family first money second #staysafe 🙏🏾
— 444 (@MauriceCanady26) July 27, 2020
Per the recent agreement between the NFL and NFLPA, Canady’s contract will now toll (or freeze, in layman terms) and he will be under contract again in 2021 for similar terms. Dallas does have the right to trade him between now and then, but Canady will be unable to play until next season.
This now gives veterans like Daryl Worley and C.J. Goodwin easier shots at making the 2020 roster. They were going to be up against younger talent with more developmental potential, including Canady.
It’s especially big for Goodwin, who is an outstanding special teams player but doesn’t offer much as a cornerback. It was looking like he might get edged out, but now Dallas will have an easier time giving him a roster spot.
Players have until this Saturday, August 1st, to take the opt-out provision. Will Maurice Canady be the only Cowboy to do so, or is he just the first?
