5 cheap additions for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason

The Dallas Cowboys had a difficult time on defense this season. To add to defensive struggles, the team has two impact cornerbacks that require a new contract. Chidobe Awuzie is the number one corner, and Jourdan Lewis has been the go-to slot corner.

To save some money, the team can sign the cheaper Lewis and draft Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II to replace Awuzie. Awuzie could argue he deserves $7 million+ per season. Surtain’s rookie deal would pay him less than that.

In addition to the money saved against the cap, Dallas adds a high-potential cornerback that can help the team long-term. He would rejoin with Trevon Diggs, who Dallas drafted out of Alabama this past NFL Draft.

The duo could bring their success at the college level to the NFL with fluidity. After all, Diggs played great, racking up 14 passes defended and three interceptions in 12 games. It shouldn’t be surprising to see the latter dominate at the next level with support from a longtime teammate.

Surtain is enjoying the best season in his college career. It is his third straight season with at least seven passes defended. This season was the first time he eclipsed ten passes defended. He has defended 11 passes in 12 games and will play in the national championship game next week.

He was also one of the finalists for the Bednarik Award. The winner of that award is considered the best defensive player in college football. Most players that have received this award translated their success to the NFL. While he did not receive the award, being a finalist is quite an achievement.

In back-to-back drafts, the Cowboys could draft two of the top defensive back prospects. It is an effective way for a team to turn what was once a mediocre group of defensive backs into an elite one.

The last time Dallas drafted a cornerback in the first round was back in 2015. They selected Byron Jones, and we all know how well that turned out. If the Cowboys decide to grab Surtain, you should be more than happy.