Cowboys Surprisingly Cut Former 1st Rounder Ahead of NFL Playoffs
The Dallas Cowboys are letting go of linebacker Rashaan Evans, which makes the team’s most recent announcement rather unexpected. The Cowboys announced that Evans would be released prior to Week 17.
In similar action, Dallas activated offensive lineman Matt Waletzko from the Reserve/Injured list.
On October 12, Evans was added to the practice squad by the Cowboys. The season-ending injury suffered by Leighton Vander Esch helped the defender carve out a significant role. Evans made nine tackles in nine games (one of which he started) before being cut loose.
Following a standout collegiate career at Alabama, Evans was selected by the Titans with the No. 22 pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Evans spent his first four seasons as a starting linebacker with Tennessee.
The defender went on to sign with the Falcons in 2022. Evans notched a career-high 159 tackles, 6 tackles for loss and 4 pass deflections while starting all 17 games for Atlanta.
Cowboys News: Ex-Dallas Linebacker Rashaan Evans Was Arrested for Possession of Marijuana
Evans was released from his bond one day after The Dallas Morning News reported that the defense had been detained in Frisco for marijuana possession. Considering how weak the team already is at linebacker, the release is a little unexpected.
The Dallas Morning News reported on December 27, 2023, “Former Cowboys linebacker Rashaan Evans was arrested on Tuesday in Frisco for possession of marijuana (2-4 oz.), a Frisco Police spokesperson confirmed to The Dallas Morning News.”
Evans’ departure was characterized by Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy as a “tough” choice. Dallas is unlikely to sign a seasoned linebacker to replace Evans given that Waletzko has already received an elevation.
Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News says that the team’s decision to cut the veteran was not significantly influenced by Evans’ arrest.
Gehlken said in a December 27 message on X that “a Cowboys official downplayed the timing of LB Rashaan Evans’ arrest Tuesday for marijuana possession and its relation to Evans being waived.” There are several contributing elements. OT Matt Waletzko required a position on the team’s roster. If Evans clears waivers, he might be added to the practice squad.
The Dallas Cowboys Are the No. 5 Seed in the NFC With 2 Weeks Remaining Before the NFL Playoffs
The roster moves come as the Cowboys prepare for the postseason. Dallas hosts the Lions then take on the Commanders on the road to close out the regular season.
The Cowboys have already punched their ticket to the NFL playoffs, but the team’s seed and matchup has yet to be determined. All signs are pointing to Dallas being the No. 5 seed and traveling to Tampa Bay in the Wild Card round thanks to the Eagles’ commanding lead on the division.
Dallas has just a 20% chance to win the NFC East, per The New York Times’ projections. These projections give the Cowboys a 7% chance to win the Super Bowl.
The Cowboys Attempted to Sign Linebacker Shaq Leonard Before the Defender Joined the Eagles
Dallas explored signing former Pro Bowl linebacker Shaq Leonard, but the veteran ultimately signed with the Eagles.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones indicated that Leonard believed Philly offered a better chance to win than Dallas.
Regarding Leonard’s choice, Jones stated, “There was absolutely never any money mentioned, I met with him, had lunch with him and had a good visit with him, but there was never a financial issue at all,” in an interview with “Shan & RJ” on 105.3 The Fan on December 5.
Therefore, that was in no manner the case. Apparently, he wanted to travel where he believed his chances were highest. I respect and acknowledge his choice there, for sure. We have always been confident in our linebackers, so it has never been a problem for us.
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