Dallas Cowboys will sign new contributors this summer
By Brad Austin
Recent history suggests the Dallas Cowboys will scan the NFL summer landscape and add a few new contributors before the season.
Predicting the Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster is a common exercise during the dead period before training camp.
Recent history shows that unforeseen summer additions always lead to inaccuracy.
In each of the last three years the Dallas Cowboys have signed multiple first year contributors between late June and opening weekend.
None of these signings became full time starters their first season. Though several provided much needed depth and saw significant game action.
With uncertainty at starting left guard, Dallas will surely have both eyes open looking to improve upon the current candidates.
Linebacker appears solid on paper, but injury concerns plague this unit and could pop up in bunches. A worthy, available option will be hard to ignore.
Dallas has a deep group along the defensive line. Yet they lack the pass rush ferocity to turn away an intriguing addition who can bring pressure.
Below are the more notable summer signings the last three seasons.
2016 SUMMER ADDITIONS
JUSTIN DURANT (LB) signed July 18
2016 snap count: 278 defense ♦ 4 special teams
2016 production: 24 tackles, 1 sack, 3 passes defended
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MARK SANCHEZ (QB) signed September 9
2016 snap count: 39 offense
2016 production: 10-18, 93 yards passing, 0 TD, 2 INT
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Rolando McClain was suspended and Jaylon Smith needed a medical redshirt. Durant was then added to solve the dire need for linebacker depth.
At quarterback, both Tony Romo and Kellen Moore fell to injuries before September. In the scramble to find a veteran back-up, Dallas signed Sanchez.
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2015 SUMMER ADDITIONS
KEITH SMITH (LB) signed July 31
2015 snap count: 1 defense ♦ 49 special teams
2015 production: no stats
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KELLEN MOORE (QB) signed September 18
2015 snap count: 167 offense
2015 production: 61-104, 779 passing yards, 4 TD, 6 INT
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Smith was added to kick the tires at linebacker and bolster special teams. While his instant impact was minimal, he’s now the team’s starting fullback.
Moore was signed as an intriguing, young quarterback to develop in the third spot. After Romo was injured and two replacements flopped, Moore became the starter.
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2014 SUMMER ADDITIONS
C.J. SPILLMAN (DB) signed September 1
2014 snap count: 75 defense ♦ 288 special teams
2014 production: 16 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovered
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JACK CRAWFORD (DE) signed September 2
2014 snap counts: 142 defense ♦ 29 special teams
2014 production: 6 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Next: Dallas Cowboys - Minicamp to training camp, Notes to ponder
Spillman was added to a Cowboys defense light on quality safety play. He also brought along special teams prowess. Dallas was very thin at defensive end and signed Crawford to bolster the rotation.