Anthony Brown is a player whose name causes plenty of conversation amongst the Cowboys fan base. There's no in-between, people either see him as a solid No. 2 cornerback or they think he's not worth the roster spot.

The Cowboys will need to do some maneuvering to get under the NFL's salary cap, but they can do so easily with several restructured deals. However, according to Pro Football Focus, Brown may be shown the door before the final year of his deal for cap reasons.

"The Cowboys drafted two outside cornerbacks with top-100 picks in 2021, including No. 44 overall pick Kelvin Joseph, whose debut was delayed due to some minor injuries. Nonetheless, he finally got some run to close out the season and looked the part, earning a 71.2 overall grade and 73.0 coverage grade on 165 snaps at the tail end of the season. He also recorded two pass breakups on 15 targets.

With several big-name pending free agents, including wide receiver Michael Gallup, tight end Dalton Schultz and edge defender Randy Gregory among others, Dallas needs to cut costs wherever it can. Brown played a career-high 1,046 snaps while his 69.0 coverage grade was his best to date, but Dallas may have in-house replacements ready to go, making Brown a true 'cap casualty'.”

The Cowboys drafted cornerback Kelvin Joseph with the 44th overall pick in 2021 for a reason. The hope is that he'll take over as the team's next No. 2 corner and a compliment to Trevon Diggs who led the NFL in interceptions last season and was named a first-team All-Pro.

Joseph had a rough start to his rookie season thanks to a groin injury he suffered during the preseason finale. He didn't make his debut until Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings. Although Joseph only played 164 snaps, he showed some promising flashes.

Against the Washington Commanders, Joseph played 57 snaps and registered three tackles and a pass breakup while allowing -2 yards on five targets during the 56-14 rout. In the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, Joseph played all 74 snaps and registered nine tackles (seven solo).

Joseph may have been a part of a rookie class that received raved reviews for last season, but letting Brown go would be a mistake for the Cowboys.

For as maligned as Brown is, he had his best season in 2021. His 71 tackles and three interceptions set career highs. He also set a career high with 17 passes defended, which also tied for third league-wide amongst cornerbacks. Brown played 97% of the team's defensive snaps which was the most for any defender.

Brown's base salary is $5 million, but his cap hit is $6.5 million. It's not a bad contract; but the Cowboys may want to stay young and cheap at the cornerback position. Joseph and Nahshon Wright are just that as they enter Year Two.

The Cowboys can't afford to undervalue Brown's six years of experience. Although keeping Brown shouldn't stop the Cowboys from grabbing another cornerback in the draft, it's highly doubtful that player would come in and be better than the seven-year veteran.

In the NFL, you can never have too many cornerbacks. Brown may not be elite, but he's a solid second cornerback. And even if Joseph overtakes him are some point next season, Brown will give the Cowboys valuable depth behind him. Also, Brown has experience in the slot; and that works perfectly alongside Jourdan Lewis for depth at that position, as well.

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