The Dallas Cowboys had one of the best offenses in the league in 2019, but their defense left much to be desired. Coming into the offseason the team knew that side of the ball needed to be remade and just a few days into free agency, the task has gotten much more difficult.
It was expected the Cowboys would lose Pro Bowl CB Byron Jones, but the defense from last season is now down 28% of its starters. Defensive end Robert Quinn and DT Maliek Collins’ defections have left the defensive line thin, while Jeff Heath’s departure means the team will surely be looking for a new starting safety.
One can dog the defense’s performance all they want, but it’s hard to lose a double-digit sack edge rusher, an up and coming defensive tackle and one of the game’s best cornernbacks in the first two days of free agency. The Cowboys have struggled to find an extra pass rusher to pair with DE DeMarcus Lawrence or have the quality at CB to lose a perennial Pro Bowl player.
That’s a lot to replace, but the good news is the work to build it back up has begun. Gerald McCoy has inked a three-year deal with the Cowboys.
At 32-years old, the third overall pick in 2010 can still play. McCoy’s had at least five sacks in each of his last eight seasons and can play different positions along the defensive line. The signing represents an upgrade over Collins, who left for Las Vegas.
Dallas shouldn’t stop at McCoy. The defense has been missing a run stuffer for a number of seasons now and there are more defensive lineman that are available that can help. Andrew Billings, Damon Harrison, Linval Joseph and Mike Daniels are some of the players who would fit the description.
The defense also needs help at pass rusher. Even if Randy Gregory returns, as suspected, the Cowboys need someone reliable.
Just had a good conversation with #Cowboys pass rusher Randy Gregory. I won’t reveal all that was said, but this stuck out to me:
“I will be back this year. Difference is I’ll be back FOR GOOD this time.”
New CBA gives Dallas much-needed, potent EDGE assistance in 2020. ✅
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) March 17, 2020
Gregory would help, but he’s missed more games than he’s played since he’s entered the league. He’ll need time to get acclimated to playing football again and the team would be wise to bring in another edge rusher.
Jadeveon Clowney is a name that’s been suggested, but it’s hard to see the Cowboys paying the hefty price that would come with signing him. Perhaps a cheaper (slightly) option might be Everson Griffen, who would reunite with former coach George Edwards, a special defensive assistant in Dallas.
No matter the player, the team needs to add a pass rusher who can help get to the quarterback to take the presser off Lawrence.
The secondary is another spot that needs help as well. Without Byron Jones, the CB group could use more talent. Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis are solid players who might improve with the new defensive coaching staff, but the team needs high quality help. Chris Harris, Desmond Trufant or Xavier Rhodes are name players who might be on their radar, the latter two not being a part of the comp pick formula.
At safety, the Cowboys haven’t been proactive enough in getting better in recent years. That could change this off-season. Without Heath returning, the team has options to replace him in free agency. Malcom Jenkins, who was just released in Philadelphia, Tony Jefferson, HaHa Clinton-Dix, Morgan Burnett or Vonn Bell are some players who might make sense.
If the Cowboys seek a trade, Minnesota Vikings safety Anthony Harris could fit the profile. He has the franchise tag with the Vikings, but there are rumors he could be pried away.
ICYMI Report: The #Vikings are offering recently franchised S Anthony Harris in a trade for a mid-to-late rd draft pick. It’s official. We are in a rebuild, #VikingsNation https://t.co/V0sJxKDUJw
— Vikings Territory (@vikingterritory) March 18, 2020
There is also the draft to help rebuild a defense that needs fixing and there is time to address the losses. However, the departures have put the Cowboys in a position to use a lot of spackle to fill a lot of holes.
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