The Dallas Cowboys appear to be trying to fill the last few spots on their 53-man roster with Green Bay Packers castoffs. On Sunday, just one day after teams had to announce their final cutdowns, the Cowboys swung a deal with the Packers that will see outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott landing in Dallas in exchange for a 7th round draft pick in next year's draft.
In addition to the trade for Elliott, the Cowboys also picked up defensive tackle Brian Price off waivers from Green Bay. After these two moves were announced, the Cowboys also said they were moving on without one signing that had been considered a rather big deal when it was made.
Defensive tackle Cedric Thornton was cut, ending a tenure that started as the franchise's likely biggest signing of the 2016 offseason.
Number of spots former Green Bay Packers linebacker could fill
The Cowboys likely didn't get themselves a starting player in the trade for Elliott, though it does appear he could help the team in a couple of different ways. The linebacker, who appeared to be almost done with his time in Green Bay anyway, has been known as a solid special teams player.
It does appear the former Packer could also add some defensive depth to his new team as he was considered a pass rush specialist when he was playing for the Pack. A year ago, Elliott led the team with 13 special teams tackles and did record one sack.
It's not clear whether or not Dallas is envisioning a bigger role for the backer, or whether this really was just a low-cost move in order to shore up depth and improve their special teams kick coverage.
Cowboys gain depth on defensive line as well
The other depth move Dallas made could add another player who is considered a run stopper.
Price is someone that the Packers have liked since he came to Green Bay, though the franchise has had some problems finding a spot for him to play.
Last year, the defensive tackle appeared in just one game and didn't come up with any statistics. He spent much of the season on the team's practice squad. The Green Bay Packers did, at one point make sure he stayed on the squad's practice squad when the Indianapolis Colts came calling.
That team did try and claim him off the Pack reserve roster but the defending NFC North champions instead offered Price a bit of a boost in salary to get him to stick around. This preseason, the franchise could no longer make the fit for Price work, and he was picked up by the Cowboys.
