3 free agents with Mike Zimmer ties that the Cowboys could sign

1. DE Yannick Ngakoue

Star pass rusher Danielle Hunter, who blossomed into a game-wrecker under Zimmer's watchful eye in Minnesota, is a free agent. However, Spotrac lists Hunter's at $20 million per year. With extensions needed for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons, signing Hunter isn't feasible for the Cowboys.

Coming off a down year with the Bears, Yannick Ngakoue will be much more affordable. The Vikings actually traded for Ngakoue while Zimmer was still the head coach, so the 67-year-old clearly values what he brings to the table as a pass rusher.

Ngakoue has never quite tapped into his full potential, but he's been disruptive on the edge throughout his career. He's averaged 8.6 sacks, 17.8 QB hits and 8.8 tackles for loss per season in eight years in the NFL. His 21 forced fumbles are nothing to sneeze at either.

Still just 28 years old, Ngakoue could fill the Dante Fowler role on Zimmer's defense in 2023. He isn't as versatile as Armstrong in terms of being able to play special teams and shift inside on passing downs, but his ability to rush the passer is undeniable.

A DE rotation of Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams and Ngakoue would give Zimmer ample firepower to terrorize quarterbacks.

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