The Dallas Cowboys' front office deserves credit for stepping out of their comfort zone this offseason. While it wasn't a slam-dunk offseason for Jerry Jones, some new additions have made their presence felt early on in training camp.
As always, though, part of the issue is some of the moves that Jones didn't make. Whether it be bypassing an obvious free agent target or not re-signing a key player, this roster has flaws that could end up derailing the season.
Cornerback sticks out like Jerry Jones passing on a press conference in that regard. Well, it will pain Cowboys fans to learn that Jourdan Lewis has been an absolute star in Jaguars camp.
"Nickel Jourdan Lewis, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract in free agency in March, continued to have an impressive start to camp. He's had pass breakups each day," wrote ESPN Jaguars reporter Michael DiRocco.
Jourdan Lewis is already making the Cowboys regret letting him go
This should not come as a surprise. While not a household name, Lewis is as consistent as they come at the cornerback position. The Cowboys are currently scrambling to find his replacement, rotating Israel Mukuamu, Kemon Hall and Juanyeh Thomas at the nickel.
It didn't last long, but the Jaguars made Lewis the highest-paid nickel CB in the league when they signed him to a three-year, $30 million deal in March.
Lewis' 79.0 coverage grade last season ranked sixth among corners that played at least 500 coverage snaps, per PFF (subscription required). He allowed the fourth-lowest average depth of target (7.1) and tied for fourth at the position with 20 defensive stops, which encapsulates his impact against the run.
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While the Cowboys have concerns about their ability to hold up in coverage, Lewis' prowess against the run will be missed just as much. He was the heartbeat of the secondary for the last several seasons, and odds are he'll have a similar impact in Jacksonville.
Lewis is entering his age-30 season and has dealt with multiple lower leg injuries throughout his career. That may help explain why Dallas didn’t bring him back - they instead chose to re-sign standout defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who’s just entering his prime.
It likely came down to money at the end of the day, and nobody can fault Lewis for going to the highest bidder. He had signed multiple team-friendly deals with the Cowboys. It was time for him to get a bag.