Dallas Cowboys: Ten Remaining Free Agents That Make Sense

Aug 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants strong safety Stevie Brown (27) attempts to tackle New York Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

5. Stevie Brown, Safety

Age: 27
Drafted: 2010, 7th round
Previous Team: New York Giants
2014 Stats: 38 tkls, 1.0 sack
2014 Salary: $1.7 million
2014 PFF Position Rank: 47th (25% snaps)

Analysis: After a breakout season in 2012 where he recorded 76 tackles and eight interceptions, Brown tore the ACL in his left knee the following preseason, causing him to miss the entire 2013 regular season.

Last year, Brown was benched after starting the first three games of the season for the New York Giants due to problems in coverage. He did return to the starting lineup for the final five games of the season, although he only played 10 snaps in Week 17’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Cowboys current starters at safety, Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox, both have very similar skill sets. Both are excellent tacklers who struggle in coverage. Dallas’ defensive backfield would benefit from a true ball-hawking, rangy free safety instead of essentially two strong safeties.

Brown has had success in the league and another year removed from his ACL injury could mean a return to form this season. And after his inconsistent return in 2014, Brown’s price tag should be reasonably low enough to be worth the risk.

Next: Stevie Brown's Replacement In New York