The Cowboys are waiving starting defensive tackle Antwaun Woods (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter). Woods was retained as a restricted free agent, but the Cowboys will shed his salary instead after drafting multiple defensive linemen. In addition, the Cowboys have also cut cornerback Saivion Smith, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News (on Twitter).
Woods has started 32 of his 39 games for Dallas over the past three years, compiling 80 tackles, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a pair of fumble recoveries. By cutting the former UDFA, the Cowboys will save $2.133MM on the books for 2021.
The veteran was a favorite of Rod Marinelli, but defensive coordinator Dan Quinn wants to move the D-Line in a new direction. Now, the interior will be bolstered by UCLA fourth-rounder Osa Odighizuwa and Kentucky sixth-rounder Quinton Bohanna.
Smith, meanwhile, spent the bulk of last year on the practice squad. He’s been pushed out by the arrival of rookies Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright.
Started more games than you’d expect from a UDFA. Was average, but he cost peanuts. He’ll catch on somewhere else, idk if it’ll be for 2M tho.
He’s a high energy guy but got pushed around quite a bit last year. Solid rotational guy for a team. I like how Quinn is at least trying to fix the biggest problems on that defense.
Woods will be on the Bears for the vet minimum in no time, he’s exactly who they pick up every year for the dline