The Dallas Cowboys continue to use the first week of NFL business to beef up their special teams while also churning the bottom of the roster, most recently by waiving four players from last year's roster.
The special-teams concern has been addressed by the Friday re-signing of wide receiver Malik Turner, 25, to a one-year contract. Turner was active for six games on Dallas' special teams last season, totaling a pair of tackles. Previously, he was a core special teams player for the Seattle Seahawks in 2018 and 2019, and also had a short stint with the Green Bay Packers.
Other highlights of this week's focus on special teams include the re-signing of C.J. Goodwin, who agreed to terms on a new two-year deal, along with the release of punter Chris Jones and the moving on from long-snapper L.P. Ladouceur.
The Cowboy will replace Ladouceur after a 16-year career with Jake McQuaide, who played with the Rams when now-Dallas special-teams coordinator "Bones'' Fassel was there.
Hunter Niswander, who played for Dallas last year, figures to replace Jones as the punter.
The Cowboys also waived four players who spent time on the practice squad last season and were then signed to the Reserve/Future list in January: Now off the roster are center Marcus Henry, tight end Cole Hikutini, wide receiver Jon'Vea Johnson and wide receiver Chris Lacy.
Dallas' other focus area this week was in the defensive line, as the Cowboys signed Bears ex Brent Urban, Jets ex Tarell Basham and Texans ex Carlos Watkins.
The Cowboys may soon turn their attention to helping the defensive backfield, where Jourdan Lewis has been re-signed, with the team hoping it might add two more starters via free agency.
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