Dallas Cowboys release defensive end Tarell Basham

The Dallas Cowboys released six-year veteran pass rusher Tarell Basham on Tuesday, opening up a roster spot due to an excess at the position. Basham joined Dallas on a two year contract in March of 2021, and he finishes his stint with the Cowboys having forced one fumble and 3.5 sacks last season. This season — due to injury and depth at the defensive ends — Basham has appeared in only two games and recorded no tackles.

Tarell Basham released by Dallas

“The Cowboys are waiving defensive end Tarell Basham,” detailed NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero. “Dallas had a surplus at the position. A pass rusher on waivers.”

The former third-round pick of the 2017 NFL Draft began his career with the Indianapolis Colts and eventually played for the New York Jets before signing with the Cowboys. Basham carved out a role as a valuable backup pass rushing threat for Dallas last season, starting in six games and continuing the level of output he had with the Jets in the two seasons prior.

Basham now will have to clear waivers before becoming a free agent, and will likely find a new NFL destination as he continues to recover fully from injury this year. Basham began the season being placed on injured reserve in September, and was activated back to the roster for Dallas on Nov. 9.