Cowboys Country

Cowboys' FA signing makes it impossible for team to leave him off 53-man roster

The Dallas Cowboys will have the impossible job of figuring out the fate of one free agent edge rusher who has done his part disrupting backfields in preseason.
Tyler Reed|
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Andrew Booth, safety Mike Smith Jr., and linebacker James Houston.
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Andrew Booth, safety Mike Smith Jr., and linebacker James Houston. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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The Dallas Cowboys' slow start to preseason play shouldn't be any cause for concern. But it is never easy to see your favorite team lose 31-13. Even if the game won't count when the calendar turns to September.

Yes, the Cowboys still have a lot of work cut out for them in head coach Brian Schottenheimer's first year on the sidelines. But there have also been a lot of positives to take away from the preseason.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys rookie shines bright in preseason debut vs. Ravens

Depth is a concern in a few areas for the team. However, the Cowboys may have landed a diamond in the rough with the free agency addition of linebacker James Houston.

Houston looked the part of backfield disruptor during his time on the field in Saturday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Houston finished the game with two tackles, but did more than what the stat sheet will show.

The former sixth-round pick of the Detroit Lions has been attempting to get back to his rookie self. In his rookie season back in 2022, Houston had 8 sacks for the Lions in just seven games.

Injuries put what could have been a potential Pro Bowl talent on the sidelines for the majority of his time in Detroit. Now, the Cowboys are banking on a healthy Houston to play a major role in the team's pass rush.

MORE: Should the Dallas Cowboys be concerned about Joe Milton as their backup QB?

Houston will be highly debated among those making roster decisions for the Cowboys at the end of the preseason.

Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter carries the ball past Dallas Cowboys linebacker James Houston.
Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter carries the ball past Dallas Cowboys linebacker James Houston. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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Tyler Reed
TYLER REED

Tyler is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he majored in communications. Aside from his roles with the Cowboys and Chargers on SI, Tyler also covers sports and pop culture for The Big Lead.

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