Depth is a great thing. Especially in a sport where injuries can desimate your team. But the Dallas Cowboys may have too much depth at inside linebacker. With the addition of Zach Thomas, the already full position has really gotten overcrowded.
Thomas will join starters Bradie James and Akin Ayodele, and a set of backups in Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett. Thomas missed time last year due to a concussion that he sustained against the Cowboys. The seven time Pro Bowler could be an impact player and with the salary cap, make the Cowboys have to make decisions before the draft on April 26.
The odd man out seems to be Akin Ayodele who said, "You understand the business side of this and you understand what
the organization is trying to do and you just have to figure out where
you fit in the whole grand scheme of things. I really want
to be a part of the team and I know I can contribute and I can still
make big plays. I have to really go in and really sit down with the
head guys. If it is something that they still have a lot of things for
me to do, for me to go in and be one of the guys that is in there
making plays for them, then everything is good. But if it's not my feelings aren't hurt. I know how this
business works and it's something that, you know, then I have to figure
out where else I'm going to go."
Ayodole may be able to net a late round draft pick and would help them with the salary cap. He is signed through 2010. Any way you look at it, with no needs at the outside spots, one inside linebacker has to be moved.