NFL Free Agents 2011: Roy Williams and Recent Cuts May Hurt Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys made a few moves today that will take them one step closer to making a Super Bowl, at least double J hopes so. Gone is wide receiver Roy Williams, offensive tackle Leonard Davis, running back Marion Barber, and kicker Kris Brown.

There may still be a few names to drop before training camp starts on Friday, like offensive tackle Marc Colombo but in trimming the fat from the team the ‘Boys may have caused more harm than good.

Let’s take a look at the impact of each player being released.

Leonard Davis, OT

The only trepidation I have with Dallas letting go of the massive guard is the ‘Boys are lacking depth upfront now. Davis had his issues last season and was benched twice due to inconsistent play.

In letting go of Davis who will replace him? Is it Montrae Holland or maybe rookie David Arkin? Either way the Cowboys will have to sign another offensive lineman and may have handicapped themselves in cutting Davis.

Marion Barber, RB

I really have no issue with Barber being released. Barber’s production dipped and he did not warrant being a starter for the team any longer.

Once the team decided to draft running DeMarco Murray the writing was on the wall for the Barbarian.

Barber won’t stay a free agent long but his days as a Dallas Cowboy needed to come to an end.

Kris Brown, K

Brown was supposed to compete with Cowboys starting kicker David Buehler but he won’t get his chance as the team decided to release him today.

The ‘Boys have had issues with finding a steady place-kicker and Jones signed Brown for the last week of the 2010 season.

Jones must have great faith in Buehler to remove Brown as possible competition for the young kicker. Brown’s a savvy veteran and hopefully Buehler’s foot will prove worthy next season.

Roy Williams, WR

The former Texas Longhorn star is finally gone. Cowboys fans have clamored for his release for years and Jones finally pulled the trigger.

Dallas will take a $12 million dollar cap hit due to Roy’s release, which was why many pundits thought he would remain in Dallas this season.

But again the issue of depth arises with the release of Williams. Dez Bryant and Miles Austin are starters now but will Sam Hurd finally step up as a viable threat?

Williams lost his starting job awhile ago but he was at least a decent slot option.

Check out Matty Hammond's story applauding the cuts.