Prescott’s backup among 5 veteran Cowboys fighting for jobs in 2024

The Cowboys selected Golston in the third-round of the 2021 draft, but he hasn’t stuck at a position, bouncing around between defensive end to tackle. Versatility is a positive, but Golston hasn’t excelled at either spot and the team has spent the last three drafts trying to find more help on the defensive line.

Dallas has used six picks in the last three years trying to boost the production from their front four on defense, a sign they haven’t seen enough from the veteran out of Iowa. Golston has just 3.5 sacks and three tackles for a loss in his first three seasons.

Since drafting Golston, the Cowboys have added Sam Williams, Viliami Fehoko, and now Marshawn Kneeland at defensive end, while also selecting John Ridgeway, Mazi Smith and now Justin Rogers on the inside. From that group, only Ridgeway is gone.

Golston looks like the primary backup behind Osa Odighizuwa right now, but no one knows what new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will do. He could be fighting with Fehoko or Kneeland, who both could move inside for snaps, or with the other DTs. No matter where Golston ends up playing, the team has made it a priority to get better on the defensive line recently.

It’s unlikely the team will give up on Fehoko, who didn’t play a snap as a rookie, so quickly and Kneeland will be given a long leash given his draft position. Golston’s hold on a roster spot feels very shaky.