Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Wednesday night that the team’s release of the defensive tackle against Dontari Poe was largely due to Poe’s weight and lack of production. Jones declined to say if Poe’s insistence on kneeling for the national anthem before games was a consideration.
“If you’re 30 pounds overweight and you’re not doing anything about it that keeps you from performing well in the field, there’s no need to get involved in the other things,” Jones told ESPN.
The “other stuff” was specifically related to whether Poe was the only cowboys player to knock down a knee for social justice during the national anthem, which was considered until his release on Wednesday.
“I understand your question and will purposely not answer it,” replied Jones. “We have a platform here, but the platform on the football pitch is of a high standard, and so is he [Poe] wasn’t up to standard. He had to correct that and he didn’t. I’ll leave it at that. “
Jones signed Poe, 30, to a $ 8.5 million two-year contract as an unrestricted free agent in the off-season. Poe was guaranteed $ 3.5 million on the deal.
Poe played 253 snaps, more than any other center-back for the Cowboys, but had only seven tackles, one rush and no sacks.
The Cowboys (2-5) also dropped two other defenders from a historically poor unit. They traded Everson Griffen for the Detroit Lions for a conditional selection for the sixth round in 2021. Griffen signed a $ 6 million one-year free agent contract in August with a $ 3 million guarantee.
Cornerback Daryl Worley joined Poe as a player who was released. Worley was another off-season pickup, signing a $ 3 million one-year contract as an unrestricted free agent.
“You make mistakes. You keep going,” said Jones. “We’re going on, but we’re not giving up.”
The Cowboys owner did not reveal whether quarterback Andy Dalton has a chance to play the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC East game on Sunday night after being viciously headbutted by Washington Football team linebacker Jon Bostic on Sunday.
“Andy is in the [concussion] Protocol and the doctor will make that decision, “said Jones.
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