Breaking down the Dallas Cowboys flurry of moves
The Dallas Cowboys went about the business of securing many of their core players this week. Let’s breakdown each of those moves.
The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for the opening of free agency next week but doing a bit of in-house work themselves. This week, the Cowboys have gone about the business of securing many of their own players, ensuring they have a roster full of veteran talent this offseason.
Let’s breakdown each one of the moves and speculate about their possible impact in 2019.
Allen Hurns, WR – Option Picked Up
The Cowboys signed Hurns to a two-year deal last offseason. But the fifth-year wide receiver failed to live up to expectations, posting 20 receptions for 295 yards and two touchdowns despite a $4.75 million salary cap hit.
Hurns was projected to be a possible cap casualty this offseason due to his low production and his scheduled $6.25 million cap hit in 2019. Instead, the Cowboys are opting to keep the veteran receiver, earmarking him as a possible replacement for Cole Beasley in the slot.
Joe Looney, C – Option Picked Up
Looney’s performance last season in place of All-Pro center Travis Frederick was more than adequate. And his presence on the depth chart is critical in 2019 as it’s unknown if Frederick will be able to return to full strength as he continues to recover from an autoimmune disease. If not, Looney can easily step in as a proven starting center in the NFL.
Joe Thomas, LB – Option Picked Up
Thomas was one of the best linebackers the Cowboys had last offseason, on par with what Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch showed early on. Fortunately, Dallas did not need his services in 2018 and the fourth-year linebacker spent more time on special teams than he did on the defense. Still, Thomas will provide quality depth for what is likely the league’s most talented linebacker corps.
Daniel Ross, DT – Signed to One-Year Deal
The Cowboys are in desperate need of a true one-technique at defensive tackle and the 6-foot-4, 300 pound Ross is certainly a player Dallas hopes can step up into that role. He played just under 25 percent of the defensive snaps last season and is vying for a bigger role behind last year’s free agent find, defensive tackle Antwaun Woods.
Justin March-Lillard, LB – Signed to One-Year Deal
The undersized linebacker is a core member of the Cowboys ‘ special teams unit. Last season, March-Lillard played 190 snaps on special teams and only eight total on the defense. He is certainly not a lock to make the final 53-man roster.
dark. Next. Dallas Cowboys: 5 Best Free Agent Signings Of All Time
Darian Thompson, S – Signed to One-Year Deal
A 16-game starter for the New York Giants in 2017, Thompson recorded 75 total tackles, six pass defends and one interception for the Big Apple. But Dallas signed him off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad last October. Thompson posted 54 special teams snaps and one, single defensive snap for the Cowboys in 2018. He could compete for a bigger role this upcoming season.