Dallas Cowboys lose Jack Crawford to the Atlanta Falcons
As the free agency officially begins, the Dallas Cowboys are down another defensive lineman, this time at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons.
The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line continues to get thin. And we’re not taking about Weight Watchers here. We’re talking about the team’s very own free agents heading out the door.
Earlier today, it was announced that Cowboys starting defensive tackle Terrell McClain had agreed to a four-year deal worth over $21 million to join an NFC East divisional rival, the Washington Redskins.
Now it appears the Cowboys have lost defensive end Jack Crawford as well. According to David Canter via Twitter, Crawford has agreed to a three-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The 28-year old situational pass rusher will now join a Falcons team fresh off a Super Bowl run.
UPDATE: According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the deal is worth $10.3 million.
The #Falcons gave DL Jack Crawford a 3-year deal worth $10.3M, with $3.75M in year 1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
This is not good news for the Cowboys defense as they’ll miss Crawford’s versatility, as he was able to play both as an edge rusher and move inside the defensive line when needed.
Although the Cowboys prefer to build their roster through the NFL Draft, these recent losses may force Dallas to consider signing a free agent defensive lineman or two to fill these voids.
But I wouldn’t hold my breath for any splash signings from the Cowboys in the first couple days of free agency. They are simply not interested in overpaying for players.
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Last season, Crawford recorded 25 total tackles and 3.5 sacks in 16 games. He started in 10 of those contests for Dallas and racked up a total of 9.5 sacks in the past three seasons combined.