The Landry Hat
Fansided

Rumor: Cowboys eyeing free agent DE Adrian Clayborn

By Steven Mullenax

Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is hit by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn (99) but prevents the tackle from Clayborn in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is hit by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Adrian Clayborn (99) but prevents the tackle from Clayborn in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

A Dallas Cowboys insider believes the team is interested in signing free agent defensive end Adrian Clayborn.

Despite being in better financial shape than they have been in recent memory, the Dallas Cowboys are not expected to be big players when the free agency market opens later this month.

Instead, many seem to believe the Cowboys will be bargain hunters, looking to a take a moderate risk on players that are a bit under the radar.

In that vein, one former NFL scout and current analyst for DallasCowboys.com, Bryan Broaddus, believes the Cowboys are interested in signing a former 2011 first round selection out of Iowa.

Defensive end Adrian Clayborn is a five-year veteran who spent his first four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But injuries limited Clayborn as he missed 28 out a possible 64 games while with the Bucs.

Still, the player who recorded 70 total tackles, 20.0 tackles for a loss, and 11.5 sacks during his junior season with the Hawkeyes has had two solid seasons in the NFL. In 2011, Clayborn recorded 42 tackles, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 16 games during his rookie season in Tampa Bay. An ACL tear would limit him to all but three games the following season.

Two years following his NFL debut, the talented edge rusher would play another full-16 game season. This time posting 64 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. But a torn biceps tendon would rob him of his final year in Tampa Bay and any chance of re-signing with the Bucs.

Clayborn inked a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons last season. Although he was one of their better defenders, he was inconsistent. Atlanta initially placed the 6-3, 280 pound edge rusher on the interior of their defensive line last season before moving him back outside due to a lack of production from their defensive ends.

The 27-year old started in only four games last year, but appeared in all 16 contests. Despite playing only 472 snaps, he placed second on the team in sacks with 3.0. Pro Football Focus ranked Clayborn as the 37th best defensive tackle in the NFL last season. But he rated as the 9th best pass rusher at his position.

The Cowboys could certainly use more edge rushers as they are not expected to re-sign defensive ends Greg Hardy or Jeremy Mincey as both are currently unrestricted free agents. And the recent four-game suspension levied by the league on second-year pass rusher Randy Gregory due to substance abuse means Dallas is in desperate need for more bodies along their defensive line. Clayborn seems to be a good fit for what the Cowboys need.

Next: Cowboys: Jason Garrett in real danger without playoffs

Thank you for reading the above article. It’s our sincere hope you’ll visit our site often as we work diligently to provide Cowboys fans with fresh, original daily content about their favorite team. Please feel free to further the discussion about the above topic below in our comment section. All we ask is that each participant is respectful in both their responses and towards others. Thanks again and go Cowboys!

Home/Cowboys Rumors