You may disagree with the process, but the Dallas Cowboys have actually been "selectively aggressive" this offseason. While not earth-shattering moves, it has been a breath of fresh air to see the front office make adequate additions to the roster.
It was sorely needed given the departures Dallas had already endured. While DeMarcus Lawrence and Rico Dowdle are big losses in their own right, Jourdan Lewis is by far the biggest departure.
Coming off arguably the best season of his career and a strong 2023 season before that, Lewis signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Jaguars, including $20 million guaranteed. The contract makes Lewis the highest-paid nickel cornerback in the league, and deservedly so.
Forget finding an upgrade. Merely replacing Lewis in the lineup won't be easy. Matt Eberflus may experiment with multiple players when all is said and done.
It is fair to say, though, that one specific player will be in the mix now that he's officially back with the Cowboys after re-signing.
Cowboys may have re-signed Israel Mukuamu to replace Jourdan Lewis
The Cowboys have announced they signed defensive back Isarael Mukuamu to a one-year deal, confirming he'll play a fifth season for the organization.
Mukuamu was drafted in the sixth-round by Dallas in 2021. He is someone that fans have been screaming from the heavens to get more playing time.
Even though Mukuamu was drafted as a cornerback out of South Carolina, he is listed as a safety on the depth chart largely for depth purposes. For whatever reason, Mukuamu has struggled seeing the field at both positions, even though Dallas' safety play hasn't been the best.
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After falling out of favor with Dan Quinn, Mukuamu finally got some run at cornerback under MIke Zimmer last season. While injuries had a lot to do with that, Zimmer wisely used him in the nickel more than out wide. He played 92 snaps in the slot compared to 41 on the perimeter, per PFF.
Nobody is saying that Mukuamu is ready to replace Lewis or if he can duplicate Lewis' production or impact.
Lewis has been the heartbeat of the Cowboys' secondary for several years. He's underrated in coverage and is happy to get stuck in defending the run. He's a trash-talker and plays with a bulldog mentality that inspires teammates to play with an edge.
Having said that, Mukuamu deserves a bigger role and he has played his best ball in the nickel. He should be squarely in the mix to replace Lewis.
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