The Dallas Cowboys finally added a cornerback after losing standout Jourdan Lewis on the first day of the legal tampering period.
The only problem? It came in the form of Bills first-round disappointment Kaiir Elam, who's largely struggled since being drafted No. 23 overall in 2022. While the trade is not the splash fans were hoping for, there is nothing wrong with a pick swap for a depth piece. If the Cowboys are counting on Elam to play a prominent role in 2025, then they're in trouble.
Fortunately, the front office pivoted quickly to make another move.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is reporting Dallas has agreed to terms with linebacker Jack Sanborn, who played for new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus as well as new LBs coach Dave Borgonzi in Chicago.
Cowboys reportedly sign LB Jack Sanborn after trading for Kaiir Elam
Sanborn is a great pickup for the Cowboys. With the linebacker room taking a hit following DeMarvion Overshown's devastating knee injury, Sanborn was circled as a potential target the moment Dallas hired Matt Eberflus as DC.
A fan favorite among Bears fans, Sanborn has been a reliable spot starter for Chicago. He started a career-high 10 games in 2023 as the Bears navigated injuries and compiled 65 tackles, seven tackles for loss, an interception and two passes defended. The NFL landscape was stunned when the Bears announced they weren't tendering him.
Related: Giants' signing lays out the red carpet for Cowboys to steal versatile LB
Sanborn is the walking definition of a football player. He's a blue-collar guy who plays with a contagious effort and seems to be well-liked by teammates.
It would not be at all surprising if Sanborn ends up starting at one of the two linebacker spots, potentially alongside 2024 third-round pick Marist Liufau, but lets not get too ahead of ourselves.
Sanborn was a member of Pro Football Focus' All-Rookie team in 2022. A really impressive feat for an undrafted free agent. He has 164 total tackles in 48 games to go with a combined 70.1 run-defense grade the last two seasons over 351 snaps against the run, per PFF.
Much like the Elam trade, the Cowboys desperately needed more bodies at linebacker. Sanborn, though, figures to have a much bigger impact on winning. That Bears fans are devastated to lose the 24-year-old tells you all you need to know about the player Dallas is getting.
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