Dallas Cowboys: Odd Man Out: Newman's Large Contract May Cost Him His Job

Would you pay someone $8 million this year, $6 million next year and $7.5 million the following if he's the second-best player at his position?

Let's not mention that this player is 32-years-old and is on the decline of his career after some injury-ridden seasons.

Terence Newman has had his ups and downs in his Dallas Cowboys tenure. With many experts expecting the ‘Boys to select a cornerback in the draft, Newman may drop to the second-best cornerback on the roster.

The Cowboys have many holes—offensive line, defensive line and safety among others. But with Patrick Peterson and Prince Akukamara both considered top-quality picks, the majority feels that either could player fall to “America’s Team” and be an immediate starter.

The problem for Newman is that the other cornerbacks on the team, Michael Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick, are both significantly younger and have more affordable salaries.

24-year-old Scandrick is slated to make $1.2 million, and Jenkins is 25 with a salary of just above $900K.

One other tarnish on Newman’s career is going to be his durability issues. He missed nine games between 2007 and 2008 before starting all games the following two seasons. Last year, he battled through a rib injury that he had since week seven.

One has to wonder what caused Newman’s drop in performance this past year. He had an obvious struggle in defending the deep ball—something that he has never struggled with in the past. After all, Newman was a college sprinter and even won the Big 12 Conference 100-meter dash Outdoor Championship in 2001 and 2002.

Was it the rib injury that was affecting him? Or is the longest-serving member of the Cowboys' defense losing his step? Either way, is he worth $8 million?

That’s the big question heading into this year’s draft and season (whenever it starts). The Cowboys may add another corner in the draft, and if that’s the case, Newman may be the odd man out. The cash saved in cutting Newman could help in free agency, where the Cowboys could fill a hole by signing a veteran safety or defensive lineman.

Throughout his career, Newman has been able to win the game of musical chairs that the Cowboys play at cornerback. In years past, he’s always found a chair while the likes of Pete Hunter, Anthony Henry and Pacman Jones were all released or traded at the end of the season.

All eyes are on the draft to see what the Cowboys will do next. If Peterson or Akukamara are drafted, don’t be surprised if Newman’s wallet is what causes him to remain without a seat when the music stops playing.