Cowboys release LB Rashaan Evans after drug possession arrest

The Dallas Cowboys made a roster move on Wednesday, waiving linebacker Rashaan Evans while activating offensive tackle Matt Waletzko from injured reserve. Seen as an odd move at the time, the reasoning behind Dallas’ decision has likely been revealed.

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, Evans was arrested on Tuesday. He was charged with possession of marijuana in the city of Frisco, TX — where the Cowboys practice on a daily basis. No further details of the arrest have been made available at the time of posting.

“Released by #Cowboys linebacker Rashaan Evans was arrested Tuesday on possession of Marijuana charge according to Frisco, TX police department @KPRC2,” Wilson said via X.

Evans had played in nine games this season for the Cowboys, earning one start in the Week 10 win against the New York Giants. Dallas has been desperate for linebacker help this season after DeMarvion Overshown and Leighton Vander Esch went down with an injury.

Unfortunately, Evans was never able to work out a consistent role. Two out of the last three weeks have resulted in the linebacker not even getting on the field. During the loss to Buffalo in Week 15, he did play 11 snaps and was able to record three tackles.

Evans was only able to contribute nine tackles this season, not recording any other major statistic for the Cowboys. His role was continuing the be diminished but a marijuana arrest likely made the decision to let go of the former Alabama Crimson Tide star a bit easier.

Dallas Cowboys defense moves on without Rashaan Evans

Dallas has been frustrated on the defensive end for a few weeks now. Buffalo being able to run the ball without any real struggles was the peak of it all. Evans getting some snaps shows that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn felt like more help was needed at the linebacker position.

Next up will be a talented Lions team fresh off clinching the NFC North for the first time since 1993. Spirits are certainly high for Dan Campbell’s team while having a top-five scoring offense in all of the NFL. Maybe there is a push for the one-seed in the NFC as well.

Evans getting released certainly does not help the defensive efforts Dallas is going to put forward. Quinn will have to get creative to produce better results from the Cowboys’ linebackers over the final two weeks of the regular season before moving on to the playoffs.