After approximately six weeks on Dallas’ practice squad, the Dallas Cowboys waive Michael Sam today to make room for another linebacker. Dallas first signed Sam on September 3, just two days after the team that drafted him, the St. Louis Rams, cut him from their own practice squad.
The Dallas Cowboys cutting Michael Sam opened a practice squad spot for Troy Davis. Davis, a second-year linebacker, played in four games last season for the New York Jets. Davis reportedly worked out for the Cowboys on Monday.
Sam played admirably during the NFL preseason, recording 11 tackles and three sacks in four preseason games. He was largely unexpected to make the Rams’ already-packed roster. Ironically, what was perceived to be a strong St. Louis defense currently ranks 31st in points allowed, 23rd in total yards allowed and 28th in rushing yards allowed.
Reports going into this year’s NFL Draft had Cowboys owner Jerry Jones all but certain to take Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel if he fell to the Cowboys. But Dallas passed twice on Manziel before the Cleveland Browns traded up to pick “Johnny Football” late.
Although Jones finally got his hands on a high-profile rookie (Sam), the Cowboys’ success this season reduced the need for Michael Sam’s feel-good PR story.
Sam had an outstanding senior season in college last year, earning co-SEC defensive MVP honors with Jadeveon Clowney. But Sam’s performance at the NFL Combine, combined with his size, left him in a bit of a no-man’s land in terms of an NFL position.
Sam went public with his homosexuality before the NFL Draft, which may have hurt is stock. It certainly didn’t hurt his short-term marketability, as his St. Louis Rams jersey was among the league’s top 10 in overall sales immediately following the draft.
He never had the chance to see a Dallas Cowboys jersey, as Sam spent his entire time with “America’s Team” on the practice squad. Where, or whether, Sam shows up next will remain to be seen.