Dallas Cowboys: Possible free agent pass rushers
By Carl Daley
The Dallas Cowboys could be looking to add some depth along the defensive line now that both Damontre Moore and David Irving are suspended.
Despite the Dallas Cowboys knowing that a possible suspension of defensive lineman Damontre Moore was looming before they signed him in March, that does not change the fact he will now miss the first two games of the season. The NFL announced the ban on Friday. As a response, the Cowboys could look to add another veteran to the mix as training camp moves forward.
The suspension of Moore was expected. The four-game ban for breakout pass rusher David Irving was not. This puts the team in somewhat of an awkward position as they will face the New York Giants without a full arsenal of weapons on the defensive front.
Rookie defensive end Taco Charlton seems to finally be progressing after struggling during his one on one battles with the Cowboys talented offensive line. The team could bring in a veteran player to help alleviate some of the pressure placed on the young rookie as well as players who have been prone to injury.
One of Dallas’s best pass rushers, DeMarcus Lawrence has shown a propensity to be injury prone, and even though he is in the final year of his contract, the coaching staff may not want to saddle him with a heavy workload early on.
Realistically there are only a handful of players that would make sense to add at this moment. It is important to note that every week as we march towards the regular season should see some notable players hit the open market as teams begin to cut down their roster.
As of right now, there are several players that the Cowboys could look to add in order to give them some much-needed depth at the defensive end position.
At 32, Mario Williams is in the twilight of his career. He is looking to win now if he can and one of the best places to work towards that goal is with the Cowboys. He has had some impressive seasons as a pro but after his recent stint with the Miami Dolphins, Williams seemed to have lost a step.
People have gone as far as to say he would take plays off during a game which is not a terrific look for the veteran pass rusher. Williams could add some more punch and production to this pass rush if he is willing to buy in and compete.
Another intriguing option is former Denver Broncos pass rusher Vance Walker, who I believe could be a very effective role player for this defensive line. Walker has veteran experience as well as solid tackling skills. He would be a nice depth add especially as the grind of the season begins to take its toll. He may not have huge sack totals but he would play a decent role in helping this team generate more pressure.
Then, of course, there is controversial free agent linebacker Daryl Washington. Now Washington can play defensive end and has shown that he has the skills to be a terrific pass rusher. He is, however, a player who has had a ton of off the field incidents and may not be the “right kind of guy”. His talent may outweigh his red flags so the Cowboys could have some level of interest.
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When Washington was on the field for the Arizona Cardinals he was electric, his body really has not been through a lot as he has spent much of the last three seasons suspended. He should still have plenty of gas left in the tank to be a quality player with the remaining years he has.