These former Cowboys will be playing in the 2022 playoffs
By Jerry Trotta
Keanu Neal, S/LB (Buccaneers)
Neal’s time in Dallas won’t go down in the record books, that’s for sure. The first Dan Quinn disciple to follow the defensive coordinator from Atlanta to Arlington, Neal started five of 14 games for the Cowboys in 2021, racking up 72 tackles, two TFLs, two quarterback hits and a lowly 35.9 player grade from PFF.
The Cowboy signed Neal to be a linebacker/safety hybrid, but he ultimately lost snaps to Jayron Kearse, Donovan Wilson, Leighton Vander Esch, Damontae Kazee, and Malik Hooker. he still finished fourth on the team in tackles despite the lost playing time (61% of the snaps) and missing three games.
Now a part of the Buccaneers defense, Neal’s started seven of 16 games and has outperformed his output with the Cowboys sans total tackles.
Robert Quinn, DE (Eagles)
Quinn has represented the Eagles’ one big move that hasn’t panned out … though there’s still time for the veteran pass rusher to make an impact in 2022. Acquired from Chicago for a fourth-round in October, Quinn logged just two tackles and six pressures in five games before landing on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Quinn spent the 2019 campaign with the Cowboys and was a godsend coming off the edge opposite DeMarcus Lawrence. In 14 games, the three-time Pro Bowler managed 11.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 22 QB hits, 57 pressures and two forced fumbles.
Talk about getting your money’s worth for a one-year rental. For the Cowboys sake, let’s hope Quinn continues to struggle with the Eagles.