FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys released kicker Greg Zuerlein and tight end Blake Jarwin on Friday. The cap-compliant moves freed up around $5 million prior to the start of free agency and the new league year next week.
Zuerlein missed six field goal attempts and six point-after tries in 2021. He made 82.9% of his field goal attempts in two seasons with Dallas, going 63-of-76 overall. In 2020, Zuerlein went 34-of-41 on field goal attempts and 33-of-36 on PATs. He was set to make $2.25 million in 2022 and Dallas will need to find his replacement.
Special teams coordinator John Fassel, who previously coached Zuerlein for eight seasons with the Rams, repeatedly defended Zuerlein as the season wore on, stating a lack of offseason work following back surgery attributed to the kicker’s inconsistency.
The Cowboys signed former SMU kicker Chris Naggar to the Reserve/Future list last month. Given his lack of NFL experience, having played in one game with the Cleveland Browns last season, Dallas will likely bring in a veteran.
Blake Jarwin underwent hip surgery last month that created an uncertain future. The injury could cost him the majority of the 2022, prompting incessant questions on his availability. He signed a four-year, $22 million extension in 2020 but injuries have hindered an otherwise ascending career. Jarwin suffered a torn ACL in the first half against the Rams in Week 1, sidelining him for the reminder of the 2020 season.
Jarwin aggressively rehabbed and last season, he caught 11 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. Disaster struck again for the embattled player. Jarwin was sent to the Reserve/Injured list after injuring his hip against the Vikings. He returned for the final regular season game and the Wild-Card loss to San Francisco, but his hip surgery raised availability concerns. By being waived/injured designation, Jarwin qualifies for an injury settlement with the team, which would allow him to regain some of his salary. If he files an injury protection claim, it will cost the Cowboys $2 million in cash.
The Cowboys also released receiver Robert Foster, and waived defensive back Reggie Robinson and running back Ito Smith.
