With a salary hitting Dallas’ cap space and young prospects potentially on the rise, corner Jourdan Lewis could be playing his last season for America’s team. The fifth-year player played a key role in the highly-improved Cowboys defense in the 2021-22 season.
The University of Michigan product’s draft status dropped after domestic violence charges were filed against him. Dallas scooped Lewis in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and the cornerback was found not guilty.
In his first couple of years, he struggled to find playing time due to his 5-foot-10 frame, considered “undersized” at corner. Lewis gained a starting role for the team under Mike Dolan and current defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
As a slot defender last year, Lewis put together a career year. He allowed 41 catches on 61 targets for 471 yards and 225 yards after the catch. He added three interceptions and an opponent passer rating of 74.5. With his excellent performance, TouchdownWire ranked him the third-best slot defender in the NFL going into the 2022 season.
If Lewis had a career year, proved his value, and possesses the veteran experience, why could his future with the Cowboys be at risk?
DBs with the most sacks since 2019…
Jamal Adams – 16.0
Jourdan Lewis – 7.5
Logan Ryan – 6.5 pic.twitter.com/dYY4jk1EDW— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) April 20, 2022
Possible Salary Cap Dump?
Lewis signed a three-year, $13.5 million extension with Dallas before the 2021 season. The 26-year-old played up to, or higher than his value this past season.
However, if Dallas wanted to cut him, he would be released for roughly $5 million in cap relief with only $1.17 million in dead money. The option to release Lewis would be an easy move to clear cap space.
The Cowboys may take the chances on sophomore DBs Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright who are still on their cheap, rookie contracts, over the veteran Lewis to create room to spend in the 2023 off-season.
Young Talent on the Rise?
Last year, the Cowboys selected Kelvin Joseph in the second round. Only playing in ten games last year due to injury, Joseph could see more action on the field if healthy. Dallas also drafted Nahshon Wright in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Wright and Joseph present tough competition, the future slot corner position could be in jeopardy for the veteran. Both 2021 draft picks need to remain healthy and stay out of trouble off the field in order to earn playing time on the field. If Joseph or Wright perform well, Dallas may move on from Jourdan Lewis.
With their rookie contracts running through 2024, it would be ideal for them to get a promotion if they accomplish enough on the field.
— Kelvin Joseph (@bossmanfat1) July 4, 2022
What to Expect?
Jourdan Lewis joins Treyvon Diggs and Anthony Brown as the top-three corners for the Cowboys. At his position, he is a solid blitzer and tackles effectively.
Coming off a strong year and noticing the young, fiery competition going into training camp, this will ignite motivation for Lewis. The Cowboys do not want to stunt the development of the sophomore players, but Jourdan Lewis knows what he brings to the table. The contract situation and the risk of limited playing time could push him to perform better than last year.
3 Comments
He’s a talented back nonetheless but his future in Dallas is looking iffy. Good article Julius
I don’t think he’d fight for the spot as that would probably violate team code of conduct.
Good article. Well written, provided evidence backing what he’s saying, good information.