It's hard to stay if Jerry and Stephen Jones are running the Dallas Cowboys. They obviously are, but their behavior this offseason is unrecognizable.
That continued on Monday when they extended Quinnen Williams on a three-year, $105.9 million deal that includes $101 million guaranteed and a record $63.35 million due at signing. Typically, locking up a top-shelf player shouldn't be worthy of applause, but the lack of pomp and circumstance surrounding this deal is almost unheard of in Dallas.
At the same time, the Cowboys should keep their foot on the gas. Paying Williams is outstanding, but why not give the defense another jolt by bolstering the pass rush? Von Miller is still a free agent, and it's no secret that he wants to play for Dallas.
It's practically begging to happen.
The Dallas Cowboys should sign Von Miller after exending Quinnen Williams
Before the Cowboys reported for training camp, Von Miller posted a photo to Instagram wearing a No. 24 Cowboys jersey. A couple of days earlier, Miller left no doubt that he wants to be in Dallas, saying that he "would love to play for the Dallas Cowboys," citing his Texas roots, which would make for convenient traveling for his family.
Miller was back self-recruiting over the weekend, posting a seemingly AI-generated photo of Dak Prescott caressing the Lombardi Trophy with the caption, "Why not?" He's putting forth a concerted effort to join America's Team.
Nothing's come of it, but it's fair to assume that the two sides have been in talks. The Cowboys may be biding their time, evaluating their current outside linebacker (edge) room to gauge whether a move is necessary. Even so, their apparent interest in Maxx Crosby is an indicator that they think they can improve their pass rush.
Though Crosby is a scales-tipping player, Miller is much more attainable and he'd fit Dallas' projected rotation like a glove.
The Cowboys need one more pass rusher for DC Christian Parker
Barring injury, Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku are going to start, followed by first-round pick Malachi Lawrence, who's starting to find a groove in training camp. Beyond those three, the pecking order is unsettled and does not inspire much confidence.
You've got James Houston, Sam Williams, and Marist Liufau all competing for a roster spot. Williams, who looks more comfortable as an OLB, has the most upside of the bunch, but that's not saying much.
Adding Miller to play the Dante Fowler role would give the Cowboys a proven pass-rush specialist (a better one than Fowler) without blocking Lawrence's path to a prominent role. If anything, Miller's presence would take pressure off Lawrence to produce right away and allow Christian Parker to bring the first-round pick along at a more natural pace.
Not signing Miller because you're holding out hope that Williams or Liufau will finally break out would fly in the face of everything the Cowboys have done to compete this season. The pass rush needs more juice, and Miller, even at 37, has plenty left in the tank.
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