5 cut candidates the Arizona Cardinals should monitor

Sean Lee, LB, Dallas Cowboys

If it weren’t for a lengthy injury history and a sensational Leighton Vander Esch rookie year, Lee would likely be a Cowboys come 2019. But, that’s not how it worked out, as Lee played in just seven games in 2018, continuing his streak of never playing a full NFL season.

When Lee is available, you won’t find many run stuffing, pass coverage linebackers as good as the 32-year-old. Before the troubling 2018 season, the linebacker racked up three straight years of a high Pro Football Focus grade, as he posted an 89.9 grade in 2015, 78.5 in 2016, and 82.1 in 2017. He’s also recorded two years of having at least a 90 overall grade (2010, ’12).

The Cowboys should be  more willing to part ways with the linebacker due to potential financial flexibility — they could save $7M in 2019, with only $3.075M counted against the dead cap, per Over The Cap. Lee has often played in a 4-3 defense, but has the game that can seamlessly translate to an inside linebacking role in a 3-4, which the Cardinals now run. He wouldn’t be a fix all for the defense, but he would provide the team with a solid stop-gap option and a veteran voice while they rebuild the unit.