What will the Dallas Cowboys do at free safety?
The Dallas Cowboys failed to address one of their critical needs during the 2018 NFL Draft. What options does America’s Team have now at free safety?
After two mediocre seasons at free safety, the Dallas Cowboys have finally decided to shift former 2015 first round selection Byron Jones to cornerback. In doing so, the Cowboys presumably have a major void at that vital safety position.
And despite rumors of a possible trade and apparent interest in some of the prospects in last week’s NFL draft, the Cowboys have simply failed to address the position. At this point, what are Dallas’ options at free safety? We attempt to break it down.
Option #1: Trade for one
Ever since Seattle Seahawks All-Pro safety Earl Thomas followed Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett into Dallas’ locker room last December and exclaimed “Come get me!“, speculation about a possible trade has been rampant.
Apparently, the Seahawks were prepared to accept the Cowboys second round selection (50th overall) last Friday in exchange for Thomas. But Dallas opted to address a need along their offensive line instead, drafting Texas’ Conner Williams.
With the draft in the books, the incentive for the Seahawks to part ways with Thomas seem non-existent. Even if the talented safety leaves via free agency next season, the compensatory pick Seattle could receive in return figures to be high. But never say never.
Option #2: Promote one
The Cowboys have safeties Xavier Woods, Jeff Heath and Kavon Frazier on the roster. Don’t forget about Jameill Showers and Marqueston Huff as well. And Dallas just added some undrafted rookie free agent defensive backs in Middle Tennessee State’s Charvarius Ward, San Diego State’s Kam Kelly, Portland State’s Donovan Olumba and Oregon’s Tyree Robinson.
You’d figure the Cowboys could find two starters out of that massive group if they had to. And don’t forget that the staff has toyed with the idea of shifting 2017 second rounder Chidobe Awuzie from cornerback to safety as well.
Next: Dallas Cowboys: 3 undrafted free agents to watch
Option #3: Sign one in Free Agency
The third option for the Cowboys would be to sign one of the talented free safeties still available in free agency. Names like Kenny Vaccaro, Eric Reid and Tre Boston are just three veterans currently on the open market. The favorite has to be Vaccaro, someone the Cowboys reportedly attempted to trade the New Orleans Saints for fairly recently.