Dallas Cowboys take a chance on another troubled pass rusher

In an effort to solidify their pass rush, the Dallas Cowboys agree to a deal with former New York Giants defensive end Damontre Moore.

The Dallas Cowboys are trying to find a “War Daddy”. A premier pass rusher who can take down opposing quarterbacks is something that has been missing in Dallas for years. And the lack of having one has likely cost the Cowboys two Super Bowl bids in the past three seasons.

Due in part to their current lack of salary cap space, but primarily because they don’t believe in building their roster via free agency, the Cowboys are simply unwilling to overpay for a premier pass rusher. Instead, Dallas tends to scavenge the clearance aisles, searching for bargain bin players.

And by doing so, sometimes the Cowboys have to take a risk or two. I believe former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Damontre Moore is one of those riskier players in need of a second chance.

On Friday, the Cowboys reportedly agreed to a deal with Moore that will bring him back home to Dallas this season. Coming out of Texas A&M in 2013, the former Aggie defender was touted as a possible top-ten pick. During his final season in college, and against SEC competition, Moore recorded 85 total tackles, 21.0 tackles for a loss and 12.5 sacks.

But a poor showing at the NFL Scouting Combine resulted in Moore tumbling down draft boards. The New York Giants eventually drafted Moore midway through the third round, 81st overall. It was the Giants’ hope he’d help rejuvenate their aging front seven.

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After being limited to special teams his first year, the young defender only ever played a rotational role in New York, recording 55 total tackles and 8.5 sacks his last two seasons combined.

Late into his third season with the Giants, Moore was surprisingly waived after a violation of team rules. He allegedly got into a fight over a pair of headphones with a teammate, which was apparently just one of several incidents that led to his departure.

After short stints with both the Miami Dolphins and the Oakland Raiders, Moore was picked up by the Seattle Seahawks last November. Just over a month later, the 24-year old was placed on injured reserve due to a foot injury. Coincidentally, the move to IR took place just two days after Moore was arrested on suspicion of DWI and driving with a suspended license.

According to YakimaHerald.com, Moore has pleaded not guilty to those charges and had a pre-trial hearing just a couple weeks ago.

In four games with Seattle, Moore recorded seven total tackles and half a sack last season.

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From what I can gather, Moore’s talent has never been in question. His issues are mainly due to irresponsibility and immaturity. Two things that will likely put you in Cowboys’ head coach Jason Garrett‘s doghouse very quickly. Hopefully, the young pass rusher understands this may be his last chance at redemption in the NFL and he takes full advantage of the opportunity.

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