Getty The Cowboys are signing CB Xavier Rhodes.
The Dallas Cowboys are signing a former three-time Pro Bowler for their playoff run.
As reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network on Saturday, January 7, the Cowboys are signing cornerback Xavier Rhodes to the practice squad. The 32-year-old was waived by the Buffalo Bills earlier in the week.
“The #Cowboys are signing veteran CB Xavier Rhodes to their practice squad, source says,” says Garafolo. “Waived by the #Bills the other day, Rhodes joins another playoff-bound team with a chance to contribute in the postseason.”
Why the Cowboys Are Signing Rhodes
With the Cowboys’ cornerback depth thin following injuries to cornerbacks Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis, it’s of no surprise that Dallas is signing a veteran cornerback just prior to the start of the playoffs.
The former first-round draft pick appeared in two games and started one of them for the Bills, appearing in 87 percent of the defensive snaps in Week 13 versus the New England Patriots. However, he hadn’t appeared in a game since then and was eventually released just three days prior.
The Florida State alum began his career with the Minnesota Vikings, spending the first seven seasons of his career there. He garnered a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2017 and three Pro Bowl appearances during his tenure in Minnesota.
Rhodes more recently spent time with the Indianapolis Colts, playing two seasons in Indianapolis (2020-2021) and starting all 29 of his appearances there. Most importantly, he has playoff experience, having played in six postseason games (starting all of them).
Over the course of his 10 seasons in the league, Rhodes holds career statistics of 13 interceptions, 92 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and 457 tackles in 135 career games.
While Dallas’ cornerbacks, Nahshon Wright and Daron Bland, have played well while filling in, the Cowboys are lacking experienced cornerbacks. Wright is in just his second year and has started just two games. Meanwhile, Bland is in his rookie year.
And while Trevon Diggs is the team’s top corner and coming off of two consecutive Pro Bowl campaigns, he’s just 24 years old and in the midst of his third season.
Rhodes will likely see a role on the Cowboys’ active roster as they prepare to play in the postseason.
Cowboys Move on From James Washington
The Cowboys are moving on from James Washington.
Dallas released the veteran receiver on Thursday, January 4 in order to make room for offensive lineman Matt Farniok in Week 18.
The Texas native was expected to play a major role for Dallas this season after signing a free agent deal with the Cowboys in the offseason. In fact, he was expected to serve as the No. 3 receiver behind starters CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup.
However, after fracturing his fifth metatarsal during the first padded practice of training camp, Washington missed the first 12 games of the season. He didn’t make his debut until the Cowboys’ Week 14 game versus the Houston Texans.
Washington in just two total games with the Cowboys, logging 15 total snaps, one target and no receptions. The signing of T.Y. Hilton appeared to make Washington the odd man out.
Via Michael Gehlken of Dallas Morning News:
“I actually feel bad about James’ opportunity here,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “Timing of injuries was a big part of it. Had an injury there in the spring, another injury the first day of practice in Oxnard. Just like a lot of these, you get down to it, special teams plays is a big part of these decisions. Think the world of him, the way he works. He’s a good man. Hopefully, our paths cross again. I think we all would like that. But these are tough decisions.”