When the Dallas Cowboys take the field for the first time on July 25, fans will be waiting to see whether another team capable of making the playoffs emerges.

The Cowboys have the advantage in talent. Last year, they advanced to the divisional round, and have made some fascinating offseason additions since then. The integration of Stephon Gilmore, Brandin Cooks, and the rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith will be fascinating to see. They should be safe in their roster positions.

However, there is no assurance of employment for the remaining players on the Dallas camp roster. In camp, teams can have up to 90 players but must reduce their roster size to 53 by August 29.

The Cowboys have a pretty deep roster, thus it is likely that some high-caliber players will be cut before the final 53 are determined. Below, we’ll take a look at three seasoned veterans who will need to turn in impressive performances at camp if they want to stay off the practice squad or get released outright. If they make the team for Dallas, we’ll discuss their specific circumstances and how they could contribute to the team.

DT Neville Gallimore

It’s conceivable that one of Dallas’ current defensive tackles won’t have a job come this fall because of the arrival of Smith, who isn’t seen as a particularly polished or pro-ready prospect.

Neville Gallimore, a third-round pick in 2020, may find himself on the outside looking in. Although he appeared in 16 games last season, Gallimore only participated in 37% of the defensive snaps.

Having a deep defensive-line rotation isn’t a bad thing, and Gallimore might be especially useful in the playoffs. As a reserve last year, he recorded 33 tackles and a sack.

But with one year left on his deal, Gallimore would be an expensive option on the bench. The salary cap could be reduced by $2.7 million if he were released.

At that price, it’s possible that Dallas won’t be able to afford to keep Gallimore. Cowboys re-signed Jonathan Hankins to a one-year, $1.3 million contract this offseason, and Osa Odighizuwa started 17 games last season.

Dallas already has $24.1 million in cap space, so there’s no pressing need for them to add more. Unless Gallimore impresses immensely throughout training camp, the Cowboys will probably want to go cheaper at the conclusion of their defensive-tackle rotation.

RB Ronald Jones II

It’s conceivable that one of Dallas’ current defensive tackles won’t have a job come this fall because of the arrival of Smith, who isn’t seen as a particularly polished or pro-ready prospect.

Neville Gallimore, a third-round pick in 2020, may find himself on the outside looking in. Although he appeared in 16 games last season, Gallimore only participated in 37% of the defensive snaps.

Having a deep defensive-line rotation isn’t a bad thing, and Gallimore might be especially useful in the playoffs. As a reserve last year, he recorded 33 tackles and a sack.

But with one year left on his deal, Gallimore would be an expensive option on the bench. The salary cap could be reduced by $2.7 million if he were released.

At that price, it’s possible that Dallas won’t be able to afford to keep Gallimore. Cowboys re-signed Jonathan Hankins to a one-year, $1.3 million contract this offseason, and Osa Odighizuwa started 17 games last season.

Dallas already has $24.1 million in cap space, so there’s no pressing need for them to add more. Unless Gallimore impresses immensely throughout training camp, the Cowboys will probably want to go cheaper at the conclusion of their defensive-tackle rotation.

CB Jourdan Lewis

At first glance, cornerback Jourdan Lewis appears to be a lock to make the team. He’s been a useful slot defender for Dallas, allowing just a 74.2 passer rating against in coverage last year.

Lewis, on the other hand, is recovering from a foot ailment that kept him from playing in all but seven games in 2022. He’s on the final year of his contract, and Dallas may have found his replacement in Lewis thanks to his injury last season.

With Lewis out, the Cowboys tried out youngster DaRon Bland at running back. The fifth-round pick in 2022 replaced Lewis at nickel and then Anthony Brown at outside cornerback.

As a primary player, Bland did fine. He intercepted five passes and defended seven others, but his opposing passer rating was only 82.2. Lewis will need to demonstrate his health in order to compete with Bland for the position. The 27 year old has faith.

Quote from June by David Moore of the Dallas Morning News: “I know by training camp I’ll be cutting and stuff like that.” — Lewis. “I’m just testing to see if it’s going to go full bore.”

If Lewis can go back to his pre-injury form, he will be a fantastic depth player for any team that has championship hopes.

However, if the Lewis camp is not strong and healthy, he will be a possibility for elimination. By cutting ties with him, the Cowboys free up $4.7 million in contract space for 2023 and clear the way for Bland to get more playing time.