FRISCO, Texas — After an unsuccessful attempt to make a trade, the Dallas Cowboys have released defensive tackle Dontari Poe and cornerback Daryl Worley according to multiple reports.
Both Poe and Worley signed free agent deals with the Cowboys during the offseason but instead of making successful contributions on the field as expected, they led to frustrations within a defense allowing the most points per game (34.7) in the league.
Defensive end Everson Griffen was the first to go 24 hours earlier on Tuesday. The Cowboys sent him to Detroit in exchange for a conditional 2021 sixth-round pick. Mike McCarthy addressed on Wednesday that Griffen’s departure was mainly to create opportunities for younger players such as Dorance Armstrong and Bradlee Anae.
McCarthy declined to comment on the situation with Poe and Worley but neither players practiced on Wednesday at the Star and the team announced later in the day Poe and Worley were released.
In seven starts with Dallas, Poe recorded nine tackles, zero sacks, and one quarterback pressure. He was projected to be a key component in the interior of Dallas’ defensive line in clogging holes and stuffing the run but that did not unfold. Justin Hamilton, a recent addition to the team’s practice squad, had more snaps against Washington.
In four starts at cornerback with some snaps at safety, Worley accumulated 13 tackles and one pass breakup in seven game appearances. After giving up several big plays, including an 80-yard touchdown pass against the Cardinals in week six, his time on the sideline increased.
