Are the Dallas Cowboys attempting to Reed and Wright?

The Dallas Cowboys have done a good job of acquiring some free-agent pieces that can definitely help this team moving forward. It has been bargain bin shopping so far with Keanu Neal and Brent Urban headlining the team’s attempt to upgrade the defense.

There is word that the Dallas Cowboys are at least doing their homework on former Seattle defensive stars in linebacker K.J. Wright and defensive tackle Jarran Reed. Reed was released after a long-term agreement couldn’t be reached.

Mike Fisher from Sports Illustrated’s Cowboys Maven reports that the team is “exploring” the idea of adding the talented interior defensive lineman this offseason. Reed is apparently looking for a long-term deal while the Cowboys are probably not looking for such a commitment.

If Reed has trouble finding a suitable long-term deal, a one-year deal where the stars shine brighter could be in his future. We have seen players come to Dallas and shine then land lucrative deals elsewhere.

We have also seen some players struggle in Dallas which has hurt their future earnings which could be why some players are hesitant to come here. Reed shouldn’t have any trouble as his play, even in a down year, would be welcome here in Dallas.

Reed, who was drafted in 2016, had a career year in 2018 when he recorded 10.5 sacks en route to a short payday but that was where everything went wrong. Reed was accused of domestic violence and was subsequently suspended for the six games during the 2019 season. It is worth noting that Reed was never arrested or charged for the incident.

His 2020 campaign was better as he posted 6.5 sacks from the under tackle position. Certainly not a position of need for the Cowboys but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add the former Alabama standout. Dallas has a need for the one-technique position but Reed plays the three-technique.

As for linebacker K.J. Wright, it only adds to the current hysteria over the Dallas Cowboys linebackers. The front office continues to say all the right things about Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith but their current flirtation with the free-agent says otherwise.

Wright could possibly be wanting a larger spotlight as he has played second fiddle to All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner. Even though Wright would be a short-term option as he will be 32 years in July with ten seasons under his belt, his play suggests he would be linebacker option number one in Dallas.

Bobby Wagner has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls and has been a mainstay on the All-Pro team while Wright has only been to the Pro Bowl once in his career. Other than 2018, Wright has been surprisingly durable while playing one of the NFL’s most punishing positions.

Jaylon Smith has been well criticized by fans and draft analysts while Vander Esch has fought the injury bug almost the entirety of his young Dallas career. Talking with Wright feels like the team will pass on exercising the fifth-year option on Vander Esch although I am sure the team is weighing all of their options.

I know that the free agency frenzy has died down but the Cowboys landing these two quality starters would be a giant step in fixing their defensive issues. I just hope the Cowboys can Reed and Wright before someone else does.