6 free agents that still make sense for the Cowboys to consider
Cowboys Team Need: Linebacker
The loss of Leighton Vander Esch to a collarbone injury was a major blow to the Cowboys’ linebacker corps. But Joe Thomas appears to be filling in quite well.
Yet, if Dallas is unable to get back Sean Lee or Vander Esch anytime soon (both currently on Injured Reserve), the team would be wise to add more outside help in a season where injuries are looming large. Another key absence could leave the Cowboys with potentially Luke Gifford or Justin March forced into a starting role.
We mentioned free agent Clay Matthews as a possible addition last week. And considering the lack of pass rush the Cowboys defense has been able to generate over the first two weeks of the season plus his obvious connection with head coach Mike McCarthy, we still believe a union makes sense.
But let’s go ahead and look at some other options …
Free Agent: Todd Davis, OLB
Despite posting a career-high 134 combined tackles for the Denver Broncos last season, linebacker Todd Davis was released earlier this month, freeing up $4.5 million in salary-cap space.
Only 28-year old, Davis would provide some much need experience to the Cowboys’ linebacker corps as he’s started all but four games over the past five seasons in the Mile High City. And he’s posted triple-digit tackle totals in each of the past two years.
Free Agent: Jabaal Sheard, OLB/DE
On paper, the Cowboys should have a powerhouse of pass-rushing. That’s with DeMarcus Lawrence, Aldon Smith, and Everson Griffen leading the charge.
Yet this talented trio has posted just 2.0 sacks over the team’s first two games. And the Dallas defense has struggled to put pressure on both quarterbacks Jared Goff of the Rams and Matt Ryan of the Falcons.
While finding solid pass rushers in free agency two weeks into the season is a near-impossible task, someone like Jabaal Sheard could be a real steal. Having racked up 20.5 sacks over the past four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, the 31-year old Shead has the ability to play both as a 4-3 defensive end and a standup linebacker in the 3-4.