The Landry Hat
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Dallas Cowboys foray into free agency allows for draft versatility

By Tyrone Starr

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 11: Allen Hurns #88 of the Jacksonville Jaguars makes a catch over Bradley McDougald #30 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 11: Allen Hurns #88 of the Jacksonville Jaguars makes a catch over Bradley McDougald #30 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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After landing two wide receivers in free agency this week, the Dallas Cowboys are in a better position to address other vital needs through the draft.

Last week, the Dallas Cowboys were going to entertain a pair of veteran wide receivers.  They did not sign either.  Two days later, they were able to nab two completely different veterans, both of which resemble significant upgrades.

Dontrelle Inman and Justin Hunter were the names fans heard Monday and Tuesday.  By Friday, it was Deonte Thompson and Allen Hurns.

Just like that, the Dallas Cowboys were able to get a small win in free agency.  Inman and Hunter are both fine choices if you need a third or fourth receiver.  The Cowboys don’t.  They needed someone to replace the speed they will lose with Brice Butler gone.  Dallas needed a true number two to complement Dez Bryant. They got both.

By signing Thompson, Dallas is able to take a flier on a flyer.  Over the past two seasons, Thompson has an average of 13.4 yards per catch.  Those numbers are similar to the ones guys like Alshon Jeffery (13.8) and DeSean Jackson (13.4) put up.

Signing Thompson for one year and $2.5M with just $1M guaranteed is far less what those other guys make, however.  Last year Jeffery brought in $10.75M while Jackson made $11M. The guaranteed money also does not preclude the Cowboys from drafting a burner come April either.  The move smacks of flexibility.

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In Hurns, the Cowboys were able to maximize talent without breaking the budget.  His two year, $12M contract is the epitome of cap friendliness.  Sad as it may seem, Allen Hurns could represent one the biggest free agent get since Greg Hardy.

Hurns has 21 touchdowns in 52 games as well as a 1,000 yard season under his belt in just four years.  For comparison purposes, Terrance Williams has 20 touchdowns in 80 games and no 1,000 yard seasons.

Hurns represents what the Cowboys have never truly had during Dez Bryant’s tenure here.  A true sidekick.  Laurent Robinson, Miles Austin and Williams have all been opposite Bryant.  None of those three pump much fear into opposing defenses.

Most importantly, these additions change the direction of the Cowboys draft.  Last week, Calvin Ridley or D.J. Moore was a real option with the 19th overall pick.  Now, Dallas can focus on either a linebacker or a guard with that first pick.

The Cowboys can still look at more competition for Thompson with their third or fourth round selection if they choose.  Removing one position out of the mix increases the versatility now in play for Dallas come late April.

Lastly, if you’re wondering how Hurns will fit in with his new crew, look no further than his Twitter feed.

Next: Dallas Cowboys - 5 Best Free Agent Signings Of All Time

Looks like Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley are ready to welcome Allen Hurns as he has no designs on supplanting Dez Bryant as the number one option. Seems like quite a refreshing twist to the free agency period for a Dallas Cowboys’ team desperate for a splash.

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