While free agency officially begins in March, roster turnover isn't too far away. The Cowboys will indeed add and presumably release players, along with letting some go without a new contract.
However, the majority of the 2018 roster is already in place. In the coming weeks, the staff of DallasCowboys.com will preview those players, analyzing where they've been and where they're going.
Today, we'll continue the series with wide receiver Ryan Switzer.
Views of #10 Wide Receiver Ryan Switzer from the 2017-18 Regular Season.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) and wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) huddle with their teammates prior to an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (NFL Photos via AP)
25 September 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) prepares to field a punt during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Dallas won 28-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
25 September 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
25 September 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys rookie wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) returns a second quarter punt 21 yards to the Arizona Cardinals 33 yard line during the 2017 NFL week 3 regular season football game against the against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. The Cowboys won the game 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
25 September 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
01 October 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) reacts during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Rams won 35-30. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Los Angeles Rams' Tavon Austin, left, and Dallas Cowboys' Ryan Switzer, right, swap jerseys after their NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
DAL vs GB
DAL vs GB
DAL vs GB
DAL vs GB
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) carries the dallas Green Bay Packers' Marwin Evan, left, and Quinten Rollins (24) defend during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
22 October 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
22 October 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
28 October 2017: Ryan Switzer
of the Dallas Cowboys departing for their game at the Washington Redskins at DFW Airport, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
29 October 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL Vs KC
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) warms up before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) cleats during an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov 5, 2017. (Tom Hauck via AP)
DAL Vs KC
DAL Vs ATL Departure
DAL Vs ATL
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) prepares to field a punt during a week 10 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 27-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) runs with the ball on a punt return during a week 10 NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 27-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) returns a kickoff past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Damontae Kazee (27) during an NFL football game, Sunday, November 12, 2017, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 27-7. (Paul Abell via AP)
12 November 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL vs PHI
DAL vs PHI
DAL vs PHI
DAL vs PHI
19 November 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
19 November 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 11 regular season 37-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL vs LAC
DAL vs LAC
23 November 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys
DAL vs LAC
DAL vs LAC
30 November 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) waits for the punt return during a week 13 NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 38-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) returns a punt during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
30 November 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) returns a kick off as Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Anderson (52) and Nick Sundberg (57) give chase during an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) returns the ball after escaping a tackle attempt by Washington Redskins punter Tress Way (5) during an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
30 November 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) runs the football during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Redskins, 38-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, Dec. 3rd, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (NFL Photos via AP)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) does a somersault into the end zone after returning a punt 83 yards for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 38-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
10 December 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
10 December 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
10 December 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) reacts after running back a kick-off against the New York Giants during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
17 December 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
17 December 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer (10) fields a punt return during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 in Oakland, Calif. Dallas won 20-17. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
17 December 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
24 December 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
24 December 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
24 December 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
31 December 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 17 regular season 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
31 December 2017: Ryan Switzer (10)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 17 regular season 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys
What's Been Good:
Drafted in the fourth round to be a special teams ace and an offensive mismatch, Switzer offered some interesting glimpses of his ability during his rookie season. Primarily used as a return man, he put together a fairly solid resume. Among 20 punt returners with at least 25 attempts on the year, Switzer's average of 8.8 yards per return was ninth-best in the NFL. Among the 10 kick returners with 24 or more returns, his average of 25 yards per attempt was third-best in the league. It's a bit too soon to compare him to Devin Hester, but Switzer showed flashes of the ability that made him one of the top return men in recent college history, not to mention a fourth-round pick.
What's Been Bad:
As has been the case for what feels like forever, ball security was an occasional issue in the return game in 2017. Switzer famously fumbled a punt that helped turn the tide of the Oct. 1 loss to the Rams, as he muffed the catch inside the Dallas red zone that led to a Rams recovery. Los Angeles scored five plays later, cutting a 17-6 deficit to 17-13. Perhaps for that reason, the coaching staff didn't seem to trust Switzer as much as they might have wanted to. Switzer accounted for the vast majority of the Cowboys' punt returns, but Cole Beasley still saw spot duty at the position. Beasley fielded seven punts on the season – all of which came when the opponent was punting into the Dallas red zone.
2017 Highlight:
However you might want to nitpick Switzer's performance, there's no denying that he started to feel a groove as the season went along. It was fun to watch him steadily build his confidence. In Week 10 against Atlanta, he had a 33-yard kick return that was one more block away from going the distance. The next week against Philadelphia, he opened the game with a 61-yard kick return, moving the ball all the way down to the Eagles' 37-yard line to start things off. It all culminated in the Week 13 game against Washington, when he fielded a punt at his own 17-yard line late in the second quarter. Switzer initially cut right, before planting and bursting forward through the middle of the kick team. After getting a handful of blocks, he shook off a tackle from Redskins punter Tress Way – and the rest was history, capped off by a somersault into the end one. The 83-yard touchdown return put the Cowboys up, 17-0, and essentially put the game out of reach.
What's Next:
Switzer has carved out a very clear role for himself, and it's a good bet he'll continue to handle the majority of the return duties in 2018. Having said that, there's so much more about Switzer's game that the Cowboys need to see. As active as he was on special teams, he only saw roughly 6 percent of the team's offensive snaps. He did get an extended look in Week 17 when Beasley was out sick, and he finished with four catches for 32 yards – but it's hard to take too much stock in that miserable outing in Philadelphia, after the team had already been eliminated from playoff contention. It'll be interesting to see how the Cowboys find opportunities for Switzer in 2018, given the personnel challenges involved. Putting Switzer on the field likely means taking Beasley or Jason Witten off of it, and those two have been mainstays in the Dallas offense for a long time. But with Beasley entering a contract year and Witten approaching the end of his career, it makes sense to see what you have in your youth. It will be fun to see if Switzer can find a role in the offense going forward.
- Count me as one of the media members that bought into the Ryan Switzer craze during the OTAs and mini camps.
- With Cole Beasley dealing with a sore hamstring and taking time to rest it.
- I was feeling good about the way that Switzer was practicing and it appeared that the coaches had a plan for how they wanted to use him.
- Not only was he doing similar things out the slot but he was also working on those package plays we saw from Lucky Whitehead.
- It was also where we first noticed that the coaches were interested in using him and Jourdan Lewis as the primary deep men in the return game.
- But all that promise came to a halt when Switzer injured his hamstring during practice while at training camp and he missed valuable time working on preparation for the season.
- Switzer was able to make it back but mainly just as a contributor on special teams.
- It was disappointing not to see him more involved with the offense because the play making ability is there.
