Dallas Cowboys 2022 preseason round-up: Deion Jones, Cee-dee Lamb, Amari Cooper...
Are the Cowboys going to make any more roster changes before the regular season starts? They could use another linebacker, but are all set at receiver with Lamb as the new no. 1...maybe.
The Dallas Cowboys seem to be set in going into the 2022 season with what they have entering training camp. And while they might not necessarily have anything urgent calling for change, they could benefit from adding one or two players at a few positions. Looking at the linebacker spot, we think acquiring a capable linebacker from outside the franchise could do them very well.
Cowboys could benefit from a capable linebacker
Acquiring via trade may even be a solid option for the Cowboys, who have the third-most remaining cap space in the NFL. The first name that comes to mind, not considering Micah Parsons, is Deion Jones of the Atlanta Falcons.
The 27-year-old has been consistently solid on the field, playing in 15 or more games in five of his six seasons in the league.
The Cowboys would have no problem making a potential deal with all the money they have left. And if they wanted to save, they could even possibly soak up some of his 2022 dead money in the trade, and then save $13,135,734 by cutting him after the season if they choose not to go through with him.
Just a thought.
Amari Cooper
Remember when conversations started about the former Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper underperforming last year in Dallas? We do, and we think Cooper isn’t over it yet.
The 28-year-old, who had indicated in the past that he wished to be a part of Kellen Moore’s offense (Dallas’ offensive coordinator), is preparing for his first training camp with the Cleveland Browns after being traded over the offseason. He is still talking about what opportunities the Cowboys will give though…
On Friday, Cooper said in a radio interview with 1310 that he wasn’t sure if the Cowboys are going to give CeeDee Lamb, the current No. 1 receiver, the opportunity to thrive. “CeeDee’s been ready,” Cooper said. “Again, it’s just about opportunity. I think if Kellen decides to feature him, he’s definitely ready to step up.”
It is clear that Cooper isn’t doubting Lamb’s potential for the role, but whether Dallas is willing to give it to him- which brings us to our next point:
Is Lamb ready to be the Cowboys’ No.1 receiver?
Lamb is a 2020 first-round pick who has all the potential to become one of the best wide receivers in the league. He’s really just been waiting on an opportunity to prove himself, like Cooper mentioned.
Throughout his first two years Lamb has been unstoppable in the receiving yards category, with five different quarterbacks. In the 2021 season, Lamb had 1,102 yards and received only 120 targets, 21st in the league. Now that he will be the WR1, Lamb will set a new career-high in receiving yards, which will do him very well.
Additionally, Lamb has collected 16 total drops with eight in each season, which was a surprise for a player coming right out of college. If the guy can bring those drops that kill a player’s momentum down to four or fewer, Cowboys fans will certainly cut him some slack, and that will also do him real good.
Last but not least, Lamb will have to up his touchdown game as the Cowboys give them the chance to master his technique, since he only has 11 touchdowns in his first two seasons. We know he’s capable. Cooper knows he’s capable. And the Cowboys know he’s capable. Now it’s just a matter of Dallas giving him the opportunity.