FRISCO, Texas _ Ha Ha Clinton-Dix signed with the Dallas Cowboys in March, hoping to revive his career by reuniting with former coach Mike McCarthy while shoring up the safety position.
The dream ended on Thursday as the Cowboys released Clinton-Dix after a disappointing training camp.
Clinton-Dix, who signed a one-year, $3.75 million deal with $2.25 million in guarantees, was beaten out by Darian Thompson for the starting spot opposite Xavier Woods.
"Just felt like what we were trying to get done that we needed to go in another direction," Cowboys Vice President Stephen Jones said on his radio show on 105.3 The Fan about the decision to release Clinton-Dix.
The move also means there is no long-term concern about Woods' availability for the season opener against the Rams.
Woods injured his groin Sunday and has yet to return to practice. But that didn't stop the Cowboys from cutting Clinton-Dix.
The Cowboys will look for help outside of the facility, but do not read this as there being a renewed interest in free agent safety Earl Thomas. However, that door is probably not permanently closed, either.
"Obviously, I won't speak to any specific players, but we'll be in the market to improve our football team," Jones said when asked specifically about Thomas. "We're certainly going to look at all avenues as we move forward here, and wouldn't rule anything out."
Donovan Wilson, Reggie Robinson II, Daryl Worley and Chido Awuzie are options on the roster to provide depth at safety.
Clinton-Dix, who spent four years with McCarthy in Green Bay after the Packers made the safety a first-round choice in 2014, was with Washington in 2018 and Chicago in 2019 before joining the Cowboys.
Clinton-Dix is a continuation of roster moves the Cowboys have made heading into final cuts on Saturday, when they have to officially trim from 80 to 53.
The Cowboys have already waived tackles Mitch Hyatt, Wyatt Miller and Pace Murphy, tight end Charlie Taumoepeau, quarterback Clayton Thorson, center Adam Redmond and receiver Devin Smith.
