Dallas Cowboys sign free agent safety Robert Blanton

After losing several players along their defensive secondary to free agency, the Dallas Cowboys sign veteran safety Robert Blanton on Thursday.

This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys lost three of their starters from their defensive secondary to free agency. Those players being strong safety Barry Church, and cornerbacks Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr. Dallas also lost a key back-up in safety J.J. Wilcox to boot.

In response, the Cowboys signed former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll earlier this offseason. And with this upcoming draft class expected to be deep in defensive back talent, Dallas was still expected to address both positions in the early rounds of upcoming event.

But on Thursday, the Cowboys protected themselves by signing free agent safety Robert Blanton to a one-year deal according to sources. The five-year veteran was a fifth round selection out of Notre Dame back in 2012.

Originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, Blanton spent his first four seasons with the Norsemen. His best season in Minnesota was in 2014, when he recorded 106 tackles, two pass defends and one interception while starting in13 games.

The 27-year old Blanton spent last season with the Buffalo Bills, posting 35 total tackles in 10 games. Unfortunately, he landed on Injured Reserve last November due to a foot injury.

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Blanton is expected to help provide depth at the safety position in Dallas. Currently on the depth chart are Byron Jones, Jeff Heath and Kavon Frazier. Thursday’s signing of Blanton isn’t expected to hinder the Cowboys from drafting a safety in the early rounds of next week’s draft.