The NFL is a cutthroat league. Players at the end of the roster have to constantly prove their worth to retain their spots. If they don’t, coaches and general managers rarely hesitate to let them go.
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Christian Matthew is already on the chopping block after just signing with the team weeks ago.
Matthew had a rough start to his time in Dallas in the preseason opener. If he can’t turn things around this weekend, it could be the end of not just his stint with the Cowboys but his NFL career.
Cowoys CB Christian Matthew on the chopping block headed into preseason Week 2
Matthew has the size and athleticism to succeed at the cornerback position, but he hasn’t been able to put it together so far in his career. He has bounced around the league since he was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round in 2022. After just one year in Arizona, the Cardinals released him. He quickly joined the Chicago Bears but landed on the practice squad. The next year, he failed to make a final roster again, this time signing for the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad.
After their string of unfortunate cornerback injuries, the Cowboys gave Matthew a chance to make an impact. They signed him to a two-year deal worth just over $2 million. The young cornerback had a chance to take advantage of a thin position for the Cowboys and earn a roster spot for the first time in years.
Unfortunately, he failed to impress in the Cowboys’ preseason opener. Matthew played over 40 total snaps last weekend, but he didn’t make much of an impact. His only notable play came on a missed tackle.
It’s not exactly fair for cornerbacks to be judged based on one preseason outing. They’re lined up as far from the ball as any player, so they don’t get many chances to affect the game unless the ball comes their way. But when a roster spot is on the line, cornerbacks have to make the most of the chances they do get.
Matthew’s fate isn’t sealed just yet. He’ll likely get plenty of snaps this weekend as the Cowboys face off with his former team, the Ravens. This time around, he’ll have to make a few big plays on defense or special teams to solidify a roster spot. If he doesn’t, he’s as good as gone.
