Mccarthy says DT Crawford is retiring
FRISCO --- Mike Mccarthy was reluctant to say anything, but he eventually said defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford has retired.
The Cowboys coach made the announcement Thursday afternoon when asked about the future playing status of Crawford and another veteran, linebacker Sean Lee.
“Tyrone came to me right away in the exit interview process,” Mccarthy said. “He’s going to retire. He’s going to be in the area and he lives right down the road and I’ve seen him a couple of times since.”
Crawford, 31, was a 2012 third-round pick from Boise State who played in 112 games, finishing his career with 25 sacks and 194 total tackles. Crawford played defensive end and defensive tackle during his time with the Cowboys.
He participated in just four games in the 2019 season before undergoing season-ending surgery to both hips. He returned to play in all 16 games last season. Crawford finished the season with 14 tackles and two sacks.
Lee, 34, has played 11 NFL seasons with the Cowboys and is contemplating retirement as well.
“Still in discussions with Sean,” Mccarthy said.
Meanwhile, a source said the Cowboys contacted defensive end Aldon Smith on Tuesday saying his services were no longer needed. However, Mccarthy offered an opposing view.
“First off, Aldon Smith, that’s still fluid,” Mccarthy said. “I personally haven’t moved on. I was in a conversation (Wednesday) about Aldon, so we’ll see how that works out moving forward.”
Smith returned to the NFL after suspensions cost him four seasons. He started 2020 off strong with four sacks and eight quarterback hits the first five games. But he didn’t register a sack after Week 9 and had just one tackle along with three quarterback hits in the final three games of the season.
Several teams expressed interest in Smith, so there’s a possibility he could sign elsewhere.
On the quarterback front, the Cowboys continue to evaluate the backup spot now that starter Dak Prescott’s future is secured for the next four seasons. Mccarthy said the organization has spoken to some veteran quarterbacks about the role.
Last season, Andy Dalton was Prescott’s backup, but he signed a one-year contract with Chicago in free agency. Garrett Gilbert and Ben Dinucci also earned starts last season when Dalton and Prescott were out with injuries.
“Well that’s a position we’ll continue to look at and it really goes back to the early answer of a competitive 90-man roster,” Mccarthy said.
“You definitely want the most important position in football —- in my view is the quarterback —- so you want as much competition, talent, young, veteran; we’ll just continue to watch that.”