Terrence Newman & 5 Dallas Cowboys Who Have Played Their Last Down for Big D

If we were able to poll every single Dallas Cowboy fan in the United States of America on which player should be the first to pack his bags and leave Valley Ranch, I believe we would receive two answers. The first would be Terence Newman and the second would be Tony Romo.

Newman’s potential last game as a Cowboy was “Boo-urns” worthy. Remember “Boo-urns”? It was the type of game where Newman knew he played bad but probably still thinks that he’s OK going into next season.

Newman has only one shot at staying, and that’s if the Cowboys can’t find a suitable replacement.

But what about the other players? What about the guys who flew under the radar who weren’t supposed to and may find themselves looking for work this offseason?

Here are six players who will not play for the Cowboys in 2012.

Terence Newman

Newman played well for long stretches—and then he would have an awful game. But no matter how many good games Newman may have in his future, he does not have enough to warrant consideration for another season with the Cowboys.

He was literally a human hurdle against the Giants in the last game of the season. He's aging, he's slower and doesn't fit well in Rob Ryan's defensive scheme.

His service was great, but it is time for the team and Newman to part ways.

Keith Brooking

I like Brooking because of his physical nature and the emotion he brings to the team. He didn't have a horrible season, because he saw limited action, but his tackle total fell off and he is getting older.

Linebacker Bruce Carter should be in the mix next season, and with an on-going youth movement, Brooking will not fit into the future plans of the Dallas Cowboys.

Martellus Bennett

I really wanted to like Mr. Bennett. He has an eccentric personality and he's a big guy with a lot of potential. But potential doesn't pay the NFL bills on the field, and he has failed to live up to what was expected of him.

Bennett is a pretty good blocking tight end, but the Cowboys need a counter to Jason Witten, someone who is a little more athletic and can actually run crisp routes and catch the ball.

Bennett will never be that guy for the Cowboys, and because of that he will no longer be a Cowboy.

Kevin Ogletree

I thought that Ogletree would have a breakout season in 2011. I saw him catching over 40 balls for at least a few touchdowns this season. I honestly believed that Ogletree was ready to take that next step. It looks like I was wrong.

Ogletree had only 164 yards received with zero touchdowns. Romo only looked his way 26 times, and that was when Ogletree knew where to be on the field.

It just didn't work out with Ogletree, and with the addition of receiver Laurent Robinson, there is no need for Dallas to hold on to 'Tree. It was fun while it lasted, though.

Abram Elam

The communication guy of the defense. The safety who was responsible for getting the plays out to the defensive backfield.

I don't want to blame the Cowboys communications failures solely on him, but he didn't do a great job. He had an OK season, as he totaled 68 tackles and zero interceptions. Dallas needs to find a player who will be with them for the long haul and grow into the defense.

Elam isn't that dude.

Frank Walker

Frank Walker was brought in for depth and to serve as a bridge. He won't be back in 2012, but he served his purpose in 2011. He kept the seat warm this past season and will pass his position along to the next young guy who will fill his shoes.

Plus Walker wasn't that great in 2011, anyway. He had a little over 20 tackles and one pick.