Dallas Cowboys: Bargain shopping at the infirmary

DT – Sheldon Rankins

New Orleans Saints’ three-technique and former 12th overall draft pick might not be the ideal position to bring in since the Dallas Cowboys defense looks to need a one technique defensive tackle but Sheldon Rankins’ run defense is so good that he is worth the money.

The thing about Rankins is that he could also play the role of the four technique in Quinn’s base defense. The Dallas Cowboys front office is always talking about versatility so this should be a no-brainer.

The Saints are in a heap of salary cap trouble so slightly overpaying for him to come to Dallas rather than stay in New Orleans is a calculated risk that should pay dividends for this Dallas defense that needs all the help that they can get.

Rankins will likely be looking for a deal that could pay him up to $7 million a year depending on who you ask. After paying Tyrone Crawford over $9 million a year, this should be an easy front office decision to make. Rankins could even take Crawford’s jersey number if he isn’t asked to come back.

Rankins injury history is extensive but not as much as you would think. Sure, he has missed 10 games the last two years but a steady defensive line rotation would not only keep him fresh but it would also cut the risk for injury.

Make no mistake about it, what Rankins lacks in the pass rush department is fully made up when you realize his defensive prowess is among the top half in the entire league. Any sort of upgrade on this defense will feel like a world of difference for Dallas.

Rankins started all 16 games in 2017 and 2018 so avoiding injury is something he has proven he can do. Having a 27-year-old defensive lineman that can play the run well is a calculated risk that can pay off handsomely.