Dallas Cowboys: 5 Guaranteed Players on the Roster Bubble in 2011

Once the NFL lockout is finally lifted some players may get a little weak in the knees. Under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement some teams may have to trim fat for salary cap reasons.

The Cowboys will be almost $19 million over the cap and may have to remove a few fan favorite's to play within the rules. Which players should go?

Let’s take a look at five players who are guaranteed to need a bottle of Tums once the lockout is lifted.

Marion Barber, RB

Barber’s release is imminent, no matter the financial position of the Dallas Cowboys. Barber’s production has dipped over the years, and so has his playing time.

There’s new blood in the backfield with DeMarco Murray, and Dallas doesn’t have much room for Barber.

By releasing Barber the ‘Boys would save $4.75 million and would give Marion a fresh start.

Barber has performed superbly for Dallas, and it will be sad to see him go. 

Marc Colombo, OL

Colombo graded as the Cowboys worst offensive lineman last season. He was awful on pass and run blocking, and his footwork was a little slow.

It may be time to let Colombo go, but there may be some trepidation in doing so. The Cowboys first priority in free agency is to sign left tackle Doug Free. He may command up to $10 million, and if for some reason Jerry is unwilling to pay Free that type of money, they may not let Colombo go.

Not sure of Marc’s feelings about playing a back-up role, but if Dallas holds on to Free and he’s willing to stay on for lesser pay, he may not have a choice.

The Cowboys drafted a new offensive tackle in Tyron Smith, which may signal the end of Colombo’s stay in Dallas.

Leonard Davis, OL

Davis was benched twice last season, and once the lockout is over, he may be benched for good. Davis is getting older; he’s 32 years old, and he’s about to enter his 11^th NFL season.

He’s scheduled to earn $6 million in 2011, and if he doesn’t restructure his deal, he may be on the outs.

But what’s working in his favor is that he hasn’t totally fallen from grace. Davis made three Pro Bowls as a Cowboy, but that run is likely over.

The Cowboys still need depth on the line and that may keep him in silver and blue in 2011.

Terence Newman, CB

Due $8 million in 2011, Newman’s production probably won’t match his salary. If Dallas is unable to sign safety Michael Huff or cornerback Jonathan Joseph, then they may be forced to keep Newman.

Dallas had a down year in 2010, but statistically it went well for Newman. He picked off five passes and recorded 79 tackles, his best year since his rookie season. But he only had five passes defensed, and he always seemed to be nicked up.

He’s about to enter his ninth season, but it seems as if he’s been in the NFL for at least 15. Newman will probably stay in Dallas, but if the team is able to grab a younger cornerback then say goodbye to Terrance Newman.

Roy Williams, WR

Roy’s cap hit is probably too much for the team to take, which is $12.9 million dollars. For a player who has not produced as expected, is it really worth it to release him and eat almost $13 million dollars this season?

I think most fans are ready to move on from the Roy Williams “era,” but he’s too expensive to release.

But with pedestrian receiving numbers and Dez Bryant pushing him down the depth chart, who knows what Double J may do when it comes time to make a final decision.