Dallas Cowboys: 3 positions where signing a free agent still makes sense
The Dallas Cowboys made 11 draft selections during the 2021 NFL Draft that concluded over the weekend. And while it’s hard to imagine the team not filling every roster need with that many draft picks, the opportunity to add to a few positions remains.
With Monday being the deadline for free agent signings counting toward the formula for determining compensatory picks, we may see NFL teams across the league signing available veterans in order to fill their remaining roster needs. Here are three positions the Cowboys could still address in free agency.
Safety
While the team laughed off the fact they couldn’t land a high-end safety once again in the draft, the positional need remains. Offseason signings in Damontae Kazee and Jayron Kearse secure the position enough around young safety Donovan Wilson likely to make the front office comfortable. And sixth-round selection Israel Mukuamu could offer some depth as well. But don’t count out Dallas still adding a veteran name to the mix to compete for a role this summer.
Potential Free Agent Targets: Malik Hooker, Tre Boston, Kenny Vaccaro, Bradley McDougald, Earl Thomas
Cornerback
With a whopping 13 players on the Cowboys’ current roster having their listed position as a cornerback or defensive back, there are plenty of bodies vying for a limited amount of spots on the depth chart. And the newest addition, second-round rookie Kelvin Joseph, enters his first season with the highest of expectations.
Still, rookie corners often need extra time to develop into starters, regardless of their draft status. With that in mind, signing a veteran free agent with starting experience (perhaps even someone familiar with Dan Quinn’s scheme) that can be a bridge for Joseph alongside current veterans like Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis makes too much sense.
Potential Free Agent Targets: Richard Sherman, Casey Hayward, Bashaud Breeland, Steven Nelson
Quarterback
The Cowboys currently have Garrett Gilbert, Cooper Rush, and Ben DiNucci as quarterbacks on the roster behind starter Dak Prescott on the depth chart. And Prescott is coming off a devastating ankle injury that forced him to miss 11 games in 2020.
Must Read. NFL Draft 2021 Results: Cowboys selections and flash analysis. light
Gilbert, Rush, and DiNucci have a combined two NFL starts between them. So signing a more experienced backup quarterback that can help Prescott both on the sidelines and in the film room plus potentially win ball games if needed would seem wise.
Potential Free Agent Targets: Robert Griffin III, Blake Bortles, Jeff Driskel, Matt Barkley, Brian Hoyer