The Dallas Cowboys were dealt some awful luck on Thursday when star cornerback Trevon Diggs suffered a torn ACL.
In All-Pro form through two games after signing a five-year, $97 million extension with the Cowboys this summer, Diggs will miss the rest of the 2023 season.
It's devastating for Diggs, who's one of the most exciting young corners in the game and looked to be making another leap in his fourth year. We wish Diggs a speedy and healthy recovery and can't wait to see what he has in store for 2024.
The Cowboys, though, have to pivot without a key chess piece of their defense. They have enough depth behind Diggs to survive, but you can never rule out the front office bringing in a veteran -- or someone who has experience in a Dan Quinn-like system -- to cover their bases in case of another injury.
Now that we've knocked on wood, here are some free agents that might interest Dallas.
3. Anthony Brown (yes, that one)
Brown has been busy visiting with teams but has nothing to show for it, though he did sign to the 49ers active roster last week only to be released a few days later.
The former Cowboys cornerback has recovered from a torn Achilles suffered in Week 13 of last season. Teams understandably have reservations about his post-surgery form, but Dallas should have better insight than all of them.
At the end of the day, Brown has more knowledge of Quinn's system than any other free agent. He also wouldn't be thrust into a prominent role right away. DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis give the Cowboys two reliable options alongside Stephon Gilmore, so Brown could theoretically be eased back into things if he signs.
Brown has been an easy target for Cowboys fans, but his absence was absolutely felt last season following his injury. He'll give up the occasional big play (or penalty), but he's given up a low completion percentage throughout his career.
Why not rekindle an old flame?
2. Bryce Callahan
The 5-foot-9 Callahan wouldn't be an outright Diggs replacement. He's more accustomed to the nickel, but the Cowboys plan to start DaRon Bland opposite Stephon Gilmore on the boundary with Jourdan Lewis stepping into the slot.
In 2022 with the LA Chargers, Callahan set a career-high with 47 tackles and three interceptions, to go with six passes defended. He stepped up in light of J.C. Jackson's injury-ravaged season alongside Asante Samuel Jr. and together they helped keep the Bolts' defense afloat.
Though solid in coverage, Callahan doesn't present much resistance against the run. He's not a seamless fit with Dan Quinn, who, just like any top-tier coordinator, wants his defensive backs to pack a punch.
Again, though, no "perfect fit" is available in the dog days of September.
1. Bradley Roby
The Cowboys will be hard-pressed to do better than Roby at this point in the calendar. He was a surprise cut during the Saints' roster crunch and has yet to sign elsewhere.
That said, the 31-year-old is beginning to garner interest. He took a visit with the cornerback-shortened 49ers this week and will likely have a new home before long given his experience in various defensive schemes.
Roby has specialized in man coverage throughout his career. The Cowboys' scheme varies depending on their opponent, but Roby's prowess in man coverage could be a weapon when Dan Quinn dials up the blitz.
Roby didn't produce a great coverage great last season, but he held opposing quarterbacks to a middling 79.4 passer rating when targeted, per PFF. If Dallas wants to get another CB through the door, Roby is their best bet.