As the NFL regular season comes to a close, several Dallas Cowboys players may be playing their final game with the franchise in Week 18. The team is known for its high standards and aggressive roster management, meaning some veterans and key contributors may be on their way out. Among the most notable names are defensive players who have played crucial roles over the years, such as linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and cornerback Anthony Brown. Both have faced injury struggles, and the Cowboys may choose to move on, especially if they don’t offer the desired level of performance in the postseason.
Another group of players potentially facing their final game with the team includes those on the offensive side of the ball. Running back Ezekiel Elliott, once the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense, has seen his role diminished in recent years due to the emergence of Tony Pollard. Despite being a fan favorite and key to the team’s success during its playoff runs, Zeke’s hefty contract might prompt the Cowboys to release or trade him to create cap space for future acquisitions. Similarly, wide receiver Michael Gallup’s future remains uncertain as the Cowboys evaluate their receiving corps, which has also seen a rise in players like CeeDee Lamb.
The Cowboys’ decision to part ways with these veterans often comes down to financial flexibility and future planning. The franchise has been focused on building for sustained success, which could require tough decisions in the offseason. As Week 18 unfolds, many of these players may not only be playing their final game of the season but their final game in a Cowboys uniform. While it’s always emotional to bid farewell to beloved players, the franchise’s goals and the pursuit of another championship likely outweigh sentimentality in these crucial roster decisions.
