The Dallas Cowboys have released former fifth-round pick Michael Hamlin in only his second season. The former Clemson player was supposed to challenge Alan Ball for the starting free safety spot this past offseason, but that competition never materialized.

You knew Hamlin's roster spot was in jeopardy when coach Wade Phillips started activating undrafted rookie safeties, which was the case against the Tennessee Titans.

Cowboys safeties coach Brett Maxie had been high on Hamlin based on his ball skills, but the player never took the next step. This leaves the Cowboys at 52 players on the roster. They hosted former Eagles safety Quintin Demps for a workout recently, so we'll see if he's in the mix.