Cowboys part ways with tackle Woods
DALLAS — Nose tackle Antwaun Woods was the first casualty of the Dallas Cowboys’ record-setting, defensive-oriented 2021 NFL draft.
The Cowboys released Woods on Wednesday after using eight of 11 picks on the defensive side of the ball, including the first six picks for the first time in franchise history.
According to sources, the decision was made for salary cap reasons and fit the new defense under coordinator Dan Quinn. Woods’ departure clears $2.1 million in much-needed salary cap room for the Cowboys.
But this was also about the team trying to upgrade at nose tackle and fix the run defense following a season in which the Cowboy gave up the secondmost rushing yards in franchise history.
Woods started 32 of 39 games over the last three seasons. But he was generously listed at 6-1, 318 pounds, and his lack of size for a nose tackle was always an issue.
Consider the measurements of the two tackles they drafted: Osa Odighizuwa (6-2, 380) in the third round and Quinton Bohanna (6-4, 360) in the sixth. They also signed Brent Urban (6-7, 295) and Carlos Watkins in free agency (6-3, 305). In other NFL news:
• The Buccaneers and quarterback Blaine Gabbert agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract. It could be worth up to $2.5 million based on performance incentives.
Gabbert, 31, is entering his third season with the Bucs. He spent the 2017 season playing in Bruce Arians’ offense in Arizona.
Earlier this offseason, the Bucs re-signed No. 3 quarterback Ryan Griffin and drafted Florida’s Kyle
a Manvel product.