Concerns about Mazi Smith have reached an all-time high after Brian Schottenheimer revealed that Smith reported to training camp at 300 pounds. Much to the chagrin of Dallas Cowboys fans, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus wants Smith to get upfield and play both defensive tackle positions.
It is not ideal that Eberflus wants to wedge Smith in to his scheme rather than cater to what the former first-round pick does best. Time will tell how Smith adapts to the new role, but his stock is down until further notice.
If the Cowboys want to beef up the DT room, they have a more-than adequate option after the Raiders released standout Christian Wilkins, who inked a four-year, $110 million deal, including $84.75 million guaranteed, with Las Vegas last offseason.
Cowboys should check in on Christian Wilkins after shocking Raiders release
This is a very messy situation, as the Raiders have reportedly voided the remaining $35.2 million of guaranteed money left on his contract. Wilkins' team has filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association.
Wilkins has been recovering from a Jones fracture in his left foot suffered last October. He was placed on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) to start training camp. The two sides had butted heads for months over Wilkins' rehab, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Before OTAs, the Raiders informed Wilkins that he needed another surgery. Wilkins opted to bypass surgery for other rehab methods. The team released a statement citing a "failure to maintain his physical condition to play" as the basis behind their decision.
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Wilkins' health is an obvious red flag. If the medical examinations are sufficient, Wilkins will be the most sought-after player on the market. The Cowboys are not in a position to turn their nose up at a player of Wilkins' caliber.
They are extremely top-heavy at defensive tackle in Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas, the latter of whom has gotten some work at the one-technique position. In Wilkins' last full season in 2023, he racked up nine sacks, 58 pressures, 33 defensive stops and a 71.4 run-defense grade, per PFF.
Providing health, the 29-year-old Wilkins checks every box that Eberflus wants in his interior defenders: get upfield and be an anchor against the run. It was a small sample size (five games), but Wilkins ranked third among IDL with a 80.2 run-defense grade last season.
It won't cost the Cowboys anything to do some due diligence. It's possible they are turned off by Wilkins' prognosis and get on with training camp. In the small chance they clear him medically, though, this is a top-10 player at his position when healthy.
What's the harm in checking in?