The Dallas Cowboys won't have starting DT Stephen Paea for the rest of the season. Paea has elected, surprisingly, to retire effective immediately.
Cowboys’ DT Stephen Paea told Dallas coaches today that he is retiring, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2017
Paea has battled a knee issue this year, but was still starting for the Cowboys. He was the team's starting DT, usually lining up as a nose guard. He did not play in Week 5 because of the knee injury and that surely is why he's retiring.
Check out the Cowboys Report Podcast on iTunes and Google Play:
With Paea retired, the Cowboys could give more snaps to Brian Price. They'll also likely look to add another defensive lineman. Before the injury, Paea averaged about 36 snaps per game.
Paea and CB Nolan Carroll were the Cowboys' two biggest free agency signings this year. Carroll was cut earlier Wednesday, meaning both are no longer with Dallas.
Paea was a second round pick in the 2011 draft by the Chicago Bears. He's also played for the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins.
Check out our Dallas Cowboys team page for all the latest Cowboys Rumors or download the Chat Sports App!
Back to the Dallas Cowboys Newsfeed