Grading the Cowboys’ 11 in-house free agency moves so far
7. Bryan Anger, P
Grade: B
Contract: Three-year extension worth $9 million
After a breakout year at a whopping 33 years old, word on the street was that Bryan Anger was going to shop himself in the open market to try and get himself a lucrative deal. Dallas, of course, initially had no interest in spending more than they needed to (are you tired of hearing this yet?). However, it was reported on Tuesday, March 22, that Anger would be returning to the Cowboys on a three-year deal worth $9 million.
Is that expensive for a punter? Maybe. But was Anger incredibly consistent this year? Absolutely. Anger earned his first-ever Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and broke the Cowboys franchise record for averaging 44.6 yards per punt last year. His return will be good for the specialists unit that currently has no kicker after the release of Greg Zuerlein.
Bryan Anger was second-team All-Pro last year and was arguably the most consistent thing about this team in the second half of the season. That's worth $3M imo.
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) March 22, 2022
And if not, there's no way a punter contract is going to be tough to get away from.
This signing gets a B because it will be great to have him back, but it’s also plausible that the Cowboys could have used this money elsewhere. Hopefully, Anger can help shape the kicking and punting unit in 2022 making his larger contract worth it.
6. Jake McQuaide, LS
Grade: B
Contract: One-year extension at the veteran minimum
The 2x Pro Bowl veteran long snapper is returning to Dallas. The 34-year-old will certainly bring experience to the roster and his veteran minimum deal of just over $1 million is hard to be mad at. More than anything, this deal brings convenience. Now, the front office doesn’t worry about having to sign someone else. Once again, continuity remains the name of the game for Dallas.