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Dallas Cowboys: Former Mike McCarthy first-rounder potential free agent target at safety

By Steven Mullenax

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 23: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #21 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates breaking up a pass during the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on November 23, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Packers defeated the Vikings 24-21. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 23: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #21 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates breaking up a pass during the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on November 23, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Packers defeated the Vikings 24-21. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys need an upgrade at the safety position. Will Mike McCarthy sign his former first-round pick in free agency to fill the role?

This offseason, there have been several changes implemented by the Dallas Cowboys following an 8-8 regular-season record that will have America’s Team watching the Super Bowl this weekend instead of playing in it. The biggest change was at the head coaching position with the hiring of Mike McCarthy.

McCarthy, the Green Bay Packers head coach for nearly 13 years, has replaced almost every member of the Cowboys coaching staff. A whopping 19 assistant coaching hirings were officially announced by the team on Monday, only four of which were in Dallas last season.

Several members of the new staff have worked with McCarthy before, including during his time in Green Bay. Could that be a hint as to what direction the Cowboys could lean towards in March when the free-agent market officially opens?

One area that has plagued the Cowboys defense for several seasons has been suspect safety play. Considered by many to be the weakest link of the defense, this new regime in Dallas could have the safety position earmarked as a priority this offseason. Especially considering starting safety Jeff Heath and backup Kavon Frazier are both unrestricted free agents.

If McCarthy is looking for a trusted name to fill the safety spot in Dallas, look no further than Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The 27-year old is scheduled to hit the open market this March after posting what he’s called one of his best years as a pro.

Clinton-Dix recorded 78 total tackles, five pass defends, two interceptions, and a defensive touchdown as a 16-game starter with the Chicago Bears last season. Cowboys fans will remember him playing for the Washington Redskins in 2018 after the Packers traded him away midseason for a fourth-round pick.

McCarthy drafted Clinton-Dix with the 21st overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft out Alabama. And he started in every game beginning Week Seven of his rookie season until the day Green Bay traded him nearly five years later. Clinton-Dix’s best performance came in 2016 when he posted 80 combined tackles, seven pass defends, and five interceptions earning himself a Pro Bowl nomination and second-team All-Pro honors.

Next. Two safeties among Cowboys 15 best free agent of all-time. dark

Ranked as the 21st best available free agent in 2020 by Pro Football Focus, it would be easy to see why Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy might be interested in reuniting with his former first-round pick Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, adding a trusted name to help solidify his secondary.

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