Dallas Cowboys disturbingly undervalue the safety position

While all the premiere free agent safeties signed with other teams, the Dallas Cowboys continue to undervalue the safety position.

The last time the Dallas Cowboys fielded a worthy safety unit was 2016. It was Byron Jones‘ first and best full season at free safety, while Barry Church manned the box. J.J. Wilcox was the main relief, as Jeff Heath played less than 250 snaps and shined on special teams. Dallas miraculously got it right that season.

Of their own doing, they haven’t come close in the other five seasons after 2012. 2016 was the only recent season that Dallas paired a high investment player (Jones) with a capable starter. Also both depth players had multiple previous starts.

SEVERE DRAFT NEGLECT

Below are recent players who were drafted or signed as rookies to play safety.

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah – 2010 – 4th round (Division II)

Barry Church – 2010 – undrafted free agent

Danny McCray – 2010 – undrafted free agent

Matt Johnson – 2012 – 4th round

Jeff Heath – 2013 – undrafted free agent

J.J. Wilcox – 2013 – 3rd round (converted RB, one college season at safety)

Kavon Frazier – 2016 – 6th round

Xavier Woods – 2017 – 6th round

In 2013, Wilcox was the Cowboys highest drafted (80th overall) safety since Roy Williams was selected in the first round in 2002. No other high value, early draft investment (first two rounds) has been spent on a safety since.

Jones was plucked in the first round to play corner. The front office was adamant from day one his first crack was playing outside. His corner play prompted a safety move.

PAST FREE AGENT SUCCESS ABANDONED

The Cowboys have past history signing immediate starters at safety in free agency.

Ken Hamlin – 2007 – three seasons (44 starts)

Gerald Sensabaugh – 2009 – four seasons (60 starts)

Abram Elam – 2011 – one season (16 starts)

The two free agent safety signings above that paid off for multiple years have two things in common. One, their initial Cowboys team (2007, ’09) won the division and made the playoffs. Two, Jason Garrett had yet to become the head coach.

Elam was a lesser rated signing who joined the team under Garrett and finished 8-8 in 2011. As head coach, he’s yet to sign an instant starter, free agent safety since. Under Garrett, Dallas has never spent an early draft pick at safety. Nor have they signed a high caliber, free agent safety who started more than one year.

As usual all the premiere veteran safeties have signed elsewhere. Their highest draft pick is 58th overall and unlikely to land an instant starter at safety. Same as always.