The Dallas Cowboys have let go of four players in anticipation of the NFL playoffs, including Tyron Billy-Johnson, a wide receiver. Additionally, the team has released Martavis Bryant, a wideout, along with guard Adam Pankey and defensive tackle Willington Previlon.
This decision has paved the way for the Cowboys to create space on their practice squad roster, facilitating the return of two former starters: offensive lineman La’el Collins and linebacker Damien Wilson. In addition, Dallas has made new signings, bringing in receiver Racey McMath and running back SaRodorick Thompson.
Tyron Billy-Johnson, who had joined the Cowboys’ practice squad at the beginning of the regular season, did not see any playing time during the season. Martavis Bryant’s release raised eyebrows, particularly considering that Dallas had signed him in November after his NFL career had been disrupted by an indefinite suspension.
Billy-Johnson has had a diverse NFL career, with brief stints with the Chargers, Jaguars, Raiders, and Texans before joining the Cowboys. His most notable season was in 2020 with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he recorded 20 catches for 398 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
NFL News: The Dallas Cowboys Opted to Add Receiver Racey McMath Over Martavis Bryant & Tyron Billy-Johnson
These are difficult decisions for clubs to make as the NFL playoffs approach. McMath, a former Titans receiver, is certainly a better fit for the postseason, according to the Cowboys.
McMath was taken by Tennessee in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Here’s how NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein described McMath after he graduated from LSU.
“He’s big, strong, and fast, but McMath lacks the necessary position fundamentals to be labeled anything more than a project with enticing core special-teams potential,” Zierlein wrote in his McMath pre-draft analysis.
“As a route runner, he lacks the desired balance and salesmanship, but he has plenty of size, body control, and focus when working through contested catches between the numbers.” His qualities and special-teams experience make him a possible late-round pick.”
Cowboys News: Dallas Wants to Bring Back Martavis Bryant in 2024, Per Insider
Many Cowboys fans are questioning what happened to Bryant, as reported by DallasCowboys.com’s Patrik Walker. According to Walker, Bryant’s progress did not meet the initial expectations of the Dallas organization, and he has not played in the NFL since 2018.
In a January 4, 2024 article titled “IMPACT: Collins, Wilson reunite with Cowboys,” Walker highlighted that Racey McMath, known for one of the best names on an NFL roster, will now fill the practice squad role previously held by Martavis Bryant. The Cowboys had initially intended for Bryant’s development to work out, but after weeks of coaching, things did not go as planned. The team aims to enter the postseason with the best possible depth at each position.
Despite an abundance of wide receivers on the roster, the Cowboys believe McMath, a former sixth-round pick of the Titans from LSU, is a 6-foot-2, 210-pound wideout with speed and a build similar to Bryant, aligning with the qualities the team seeks in that position.
However, it’s important to note that Bryant’s absence doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t return to the Cowboys. According to The Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins, the team expresses an interest in bringing Bryant back for the next season. At present, the focus is on the NFL playoffs and the recent roster adjustments.