CB Byron Jones: Miami Dolphins
The departure with the biggest on-field ramifications is Jones, who became the highest-paid CB in football with the Miami Dolphins. Now, DE Randy Gregory is the only member of the 2015 draft class who remains with the team.
Jones leaves a massive void in the secondary, which should provide a challenge for Nolan and new DB coach Maruice Linguist.
Even with Jones, the Cowboys secondary was consistently underwhelming and unproductive. Opposing QBs may have an easier time passing the ball against Dallas this season, but if the secondary can at least be average and not a liability, the defense can certainly bounce-back from last year’s performance.
Remaking the secondary on the fly will be a challenge for the Cowboys, but they have planted their flags in Trevon Diggs and Reggie Robinson. How the unit performs this season will go a long way towards deciding who stays longterm, as Anthony Brown is currently the only non-rookie CB signed past 2020.
DE Robert Quinn: Chicago Bears
One of the 2019 offseason’s savviest pickups, Dallas acquired Quinn for a sixth round pick and a swap of fourth rounders. A year and 11.5 sacks later, he leaves for the Bears on a five-year, $70 million free agent contract.
Quinn seemed revitalized in Dallas, rushing opposite DeMarcus Lawrence. It’s a recipe they’ll hope to replicate with a collection of intriguing edge rushers like Gregory, Aldon Smith, rookie Bradley Anae and the returning Tyrone Crawford. Still, they’ll have tall shoes to fill, as Quinn was especially productive last season-in just 14 games, he totaled 22 QB hits, 13 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and three pass defenses.
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