Going into free agency, the Dallas Cowboys knew they would have fierce competition over the four or five standout players set to hit the open market. Just a day into the madness that is NFL free agency, this is already proven true.
After losing CB Byron Jones to a well-funded deal with the Miami Dolphins, another member of the team’s defense hits the road as well. The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with Robert Quinn on a 5-year, $70 million deal.
The #Bears are signing pass-rusher Robert Quinn to a 5-year, $70 million contract with $30 million fully guaranteed, agent Sean Kiernan from @SelectSports tells me and @TomPelissero. A new home for the former #Cowboys star after a huge year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
Quinn’s deal puts him in the Cowboys 2021 comp pick ledger at the third-round level.
Handling the defensive end duties without Quinn could be a struggle for Dallas. The Cowboys still have the previously mentioned DeMarcus Lawrence locked up long term. Lawrence, despite having a down year in regards to sacks last season, should be able to provide an all-pro level rush from one side of the line.
The Cowboys finished just 19th in sacks despite Quinn and Lawrence finishing among the best pass-rush win rates in the league.
Quinn was acquired from Miami for next to nothing by the Cowboys, an 2020 sixth-round pick. Playing alongside DeMarcus Lawrence, Quinn was able to completely reconstruct his value and reputation and become known once again as one of the most feared pass-rushers in the league.
In his only year in Dallas, the former Tar Heel led the Cowboys in sacks with an impressive 11.5 in only 14 games, and was a much needed spark on the defensive side of the ball.
After Lawrence however, the Cowboys current options at defensive end become increasingly unproven.
Tyrone Crawford is a steady player who should see a lot of snaps, but is coming off major hip surgery. Randy Gregory showed flashes of his playmaking ability during the 2018 season, and should be granted reinstatement from the league for next year. Beyond them there are even bigger question marks.
Dorance Armstrong is entering his third year and should start to contribute more after seeing action in 15 games a year ago. Jalen Jelks and Joe Jackson are young and lack any real experience, but will both have the opportunities to take the next step and be in the defensive end rotation.
The draft next month is a viable resource, but the Cowboys shouldn’t rely on just that to replenish the defensive end position. The same way the Cowboys lost Quinn could help them find a replacement. Not many top end free agents have been directly linked to Dallas, but Joe Thomas made news earlier today when he speculated the Cowboys are in play for DE Jadeveon Clowney.
Joe Thomas: I think the Cowboys are the team that is going to land Jadeveon Clowney. They just lost Robert Quinn. They're looking for somebody who can make an impact on that defense because they think they have a championship roster everywhere else. pic.twitter.com/C5ai2bDclo
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) March 17, 2020
Clowney will undoubtedly come with a high price, and that could keep the Cowboys away, as most close to the team speculate.
FWIW:
At the time this tweet gets sent, I have gotten zero indication the #Cowboys are interested in Jadeveon Clowney, let alone actively pursuing him.
This could obviously change, but per source:
"Don't count on it. Not in the plan."
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) March 17, 2020
There are always some more frugal free agent options, and Dallas is more likely to explore those avenues.
Markus Golden is coming off double digit sacks with the Giants a year ago, and figures to get a manageable deal. Leonard Floyd was released by Chicago after they acquired Quinn, and while his career hasn’t been as some thought, the 27 year-old could reach his potential in another setting.
Veterans like Everson Griffen or Cameron Wake could serve as short term stopgap and won’t break the bank.
It certainly looks like Dallas now will add defensive line depth one way or another, but who, and how much, are the next questions Cowboys fans are asking.
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