The Dallas Cowboys will finalize their 53-man roster in just a few hours. While their secondary got massive news with Trevon Diggs returning to practice on Monday, the interior defensive line remains a huge concern with the season opener against the Eagles just nine days away.
The latest buzz suggests that Mazi Smith will make the 53. That won't sit well with Cowboys fans for obvious reasons, but that shouldn't dissuade the front office from searching the chopping block for potential upgrades.
Well, what about stealing from a division rival? That is suddenly possible after the Giants shockingly released defenisve lineman Elijah Chatman, per Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Simply put, Jerry Jones and the front office need to be all over this.
Cowboys need to bring in Elijah Chatman after shocking Giants cut
A second-year pro out of SMU who went undrafted last year, Chatman worked extensively with the Giants' first-team defense in training camp, per Duggan. He helped out as a fullback during the preseason and the vast majority of Giants fans are stunned he was released.
At 6-foot and 278 pounds, Chatman is a bit undersized to be formidable against the run. However, he has real burst as a pass rusher. He appeared in all 17 games last season and racked up 19 pressures across 264 pass-rush snaps, per PFF.
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The Giants are clearly hoping that Chatman clears waivers so they can sign him to the practice squad. The Cowboys, penciled in as No. 12 in the waiver order, should not afford them that luxury.
Yes, they need a true nose tackle who can muck up the run game, but defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus doesn't ask his DTs to absorb double teams. That's why Mazi Smith has had a difficult time adjusting to his scheme. Chatman, however, is an ideal fit in Eberflus' system.
The Cowboys should still be in the market for a cornerback, but Diggs passing his physical and subsequently returning to practice means DT has to be the top priority.
Better options than Chatman might get waived before the 3 p.m. CT deadline, but Dallas should give him a look regardless.