Should the Dallas Cowboys join the Gerald McCoy sweepstakes?

The Dallas Cowboys have done a great job solidifying the defensive line, but should the team make a play for Gerald McCoy?

Through trades, free agency, and the draft the Dallas Cowboys have made an effort to get better throughout the defensive line.  The unit looked very good in 2018, but already look like they will surpass that level of play this season.

Defensive tackle, Gerald McCoy was recently released from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCoy, coming off his seventh consecutive year with at least five sacks, still has plenty left in the tank.

The Cowboys should try to bring McCoy to Dallas, Texas. However, there are some reasons why this might be unrealistic. Firstly, the Cowboys have already invested their first pick in the draft to a defensive tackle, Trysten Hill, and also added defensive tackle Christian Covington in free agency.

Secondly, Dallas is still trying to extend their quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and others to long term contracts. Part of being prepared to extend someone on your team is to save the money by not diving head first into free agency.  The Cowboys have been doing exactly that, which is why there is a real possibility that all the key stars will remain with Dallas.

With all of this being said, the Cowboys should still pursue McCoy– not just throw money his way, but to give him a one-year deal worth around $11 million. This may seem like a lot, but the Cowboys currently have around $19.5 million in cap space.

If the Cowboys make some moves, extend players and push the weight of the contract to balance the hits throughout the next five to six years, or cut players like defensive tackle Tyronne Crawford or wide receiver Allen Hurns (and others), then the team could sign McCoy and still have room under the cap for 2019.

This would not stunt the growth of the rookie, Hill. Everyone knows that Rod Marinelli’s defense is different than others in that he keeps a constant rotation of fresh guys throughout the game. Hill would still see the field, but McCoy would also.

Who better teach the young guys who to play defensive tackle than McCoy? McCoy is not just a talented player, he is a leader in the locker room. Head coach Jason Garrett likes to talk about the right type of guy. Last year, McCoy was named the “‘Bucs man of the year” for showing sportsmanship and doing great things for his community– McCoy has paid for Christmas to over 40 families five years in a row.

As a player, McCoy is almost guaranteed a sick sack season. He is big, tough, and explosive enough to get after the passer, but also play the run. Last season, McCoy recorded six sacks, 21 quarterback hits, and 28 combined tackles in only 14 games.

Bringing McCoy to the hotboyz would turn a really good unit into an elite unit. If teams want to focus on stopping defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, McCoy and defensive end Robert Quinn will be getting plenty of pressures.

Having a threat on both sides and inside will be too much to handle. It will take some financial maneuverability, but adding a six-time Pro Bowler certainly would not hurt a young and talented team.

Do you feel the Dallas Cowboys should pick up Gerald McCoy? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below!