Ian Bunting, Isaac Taylor-Stuart, and Devante Bond were cut after missing the 2022-23 season due to injury and failing physical evaluations.
With the NFL Draft just days away, the Dallas Cowboys have begun reshaping their roster, starting with the release of three players: tight end Ian Bunting, defensive end Isaac Taylor-Stuart, and linebacker Devante Bond. According to veteran NFL insider Howard Balzer, all three were waived with failed physical designations after spending the previous season on injured reserve.
These early cuts signal the Cowboys‘ intent to clear space and focus on healthy talent moving forward. While none of the three played a snap last season, the move still marks the end of the road-at least for now-for three athletes who had once shown promise.
Injuries end chances in Dallas
Each player’s journey to Dallas came through different paths, but all were ultimately sidelined before making a lasting impact.
Ian Bunting, a 27-year-old tight end who spent his college years at Michigan and California, had stints on multiple practice squads across the NFL. He appeared in one game for Dallas in 2021 but was unable to secure a long-term role.
The Cowboys waived TE Ian Bunting and CB Isaac Taylor-Stuart while terminating contract of LB Devante Bond. All had failed physical designations and all missed the entire 2022 season on reserve/injured.
— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) April 24, 2023
Isaac Taylor-Stuart signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent out of USC in 2022. While he brought potential as a developmental defensive back, he never got the opportunity to prove himself on the field.
Devante Bond, the most experienced of the trio, entered the league in 2016 as a sixth-round pick by the Buccaneers. After three seasons in Tampa Bay, he had a brief run with the Chicago Bears, last appearing in a regular-season game in 2020. Injuries have since kept him sidelined for multiple years.
More changes on the horizon
The Cowboys‘ offseason has already included notable moves, including parting ways with longtime running back Ezekiel Elliott. With the team holding the 26th overall pick in this year’s draft, more shifts are expected as they attempt to rebound from another disappointing postseason exit.
While the released players will look for opportunities elsewhere, the Cowboys are clearly focused on building a younger, healthier roster. These cuts, though not high-profile, are part of the broader retooling process as Dallas sets its sights on the future.