The NFL trade deadline has come and gone, and while many fans were hoping for a blockbuster move from the Dallas Cowboys, the team’s activity has been a mixed bag. After making a relatively quiet splash by trading for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo from the Carolina Panthers, Dallas parted ways with defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and cornerback Andrew Booth, moves that left some fans underwhelmed. However, it seems like the Cowboys’ front office isn’t quite done tweaking the roster just yet.
In a surprising twist, Dallas has brought back cornerback Andrew Booth—who they had released earlier in the week—by signing him to their practice squad. The move was officially announced by the Cowboys on November 7, 2024, as the team continues to address their depth issues in the defensive backfield.
A Logical Move Amid Defensive Backfield Injuries
The decision to re-sign Booth comes as little surprise when you consider the state of the Cowboys’ secondary. Dallas has been dealing with a slew of injuries that have left their cornerback group thinner than they’d like. Starting cornerback DaRon Bland has yet to see action this season, while Trevon Diggs remains hampered by an injury that has kept him from being at full strength. Meanwhile, backup CB Amani Oruwariye was placed on injured reserve just last week.
With those injury concerns piling up, the Cowboys’ secondary could use all the depth it can get. Booth, who had been released just days earlier, provides a bit of insurance for a group that is already facing some tough battles down the stretch of the season. His presence on the practice squad will give the Cowboys the flexibility to promote him if needed, especially as they continue to evaluate the health and readiness of their top cornerbacks.
Booth’s Struggles and the Need for Redemption.
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Booth’s return to the Cowboys comes after a less-than-impressive stint earlier this season. The 42nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Booth has shown flashes of potential but hasn’t yet been able to carve out a meaningful role in Dallas’ defense. He appeared in three games between Weeks 4 and 6 and had minimal impact on defense. In 38 defensive snaps, Booth allowed three catches on three targets and posted a troubling 118.8 passer rating when targeted.
While Booth’s limited role certainly didn’t inspire confidence, his raw talent still holds some potential. The Cowboys traded for Booth earlier this year in exchange for another underperforming defender, Nahshon Wright, a move that was made in hopes of adding more youth and upside to their cornerback rotation. Wright has yet to make his debut for the Vikings, while Booth’s chances to establish himself in Dallas remain uncertain.
This recent move to the practice squad could be Booth’s last chance to prove he belongs at the NFL level, and Dallas could be hoping that a change of scenery—along with the opportunity to work more closely with the team’s defensive coaches—will help him develop into a more reliable piece moving forward.
The Cowboys’ Defensive Backfield: A Work in Progress
The Dallas Cowboys’ cornerback depth chart was already a work in progress before the season began. Losing Diggs to a torn ACL earlier this year was a major blow, and the subsequent injuries to Bland and Oruwariye have only made things more difficult for defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. With rookie Caelen Carson and veteran C.J. Goodwin stepping up as key contributors, the Cowboys’ secondary has been forced to adapt on the fly.
Bringing back Booth gives the Cowboys another option in their cornerback rotation, even if it’s not the high-profile addition many fans had hoped for. Booth’s primary role for now will likely be as a depth piece, with the possibility of being elevated to the active roster in case of injury or if the coaching staff feels he’s ready to contribute.
Looking Ahead: Can Booth Find His Place?
For Booth, this is a critical juncture in his NFL career. After being selected in the second round of the 2022 draft, expectations were high. However, with limited opportunities and a string of underwhelming performances, Booth is running out of time to prove he can be a reliable contributor in this league.
The Cowboys, for their part, are taking a measured approach. They didn’t invest a lot in Booth, but they also clearly see some upside in him. If Booth can take advantage of his time on the practice squad, he might eventually earn a shot to prove himself on the active roster. But with injuries continuing to pile up for Dallas and competition for spots in the secondary becoming more intense, Booth will need to make the most of any opportunity he gets.
While the Cowboys’ trade deadline moves didn’t quite meet the high expectations of some fans, bringing Booth back is a reminder that Jerry Jones and the front office are still keeping a close eye on potential improvements to the roster—even if those improvements come in the form of low-risk moves like this one.
At the very least, it’s a sign that Dallas is still trying to solidify its depth, especially in a secondary that has been hit hard by injuries. Whether Booth can turn this opportunity into a meaningful role will remain to be seen, but for now, the Cowboys are giving him one last shot to prove he can be a part of their defensive future.
