8 attractive free agents for Cowboys after Jerry Jones' 'all-in' promise
Linebacker
Patrick Queen - Baltimore Ravens
PFF Overall Grade: 23rd out of 82 Linebackers
The Cowboys' situation at linebacker isn't the greatest but they do have DeMarvion Overshown coming back from his torn ACL which helps. The issue is the injury history of Leighton Vander Esch and his inability to stay healthy, the Cowboys need to find themselves another option at the position, someone with experience and the same attributes as Vander Esch if not better. That's where Queen comes in, the Ravens linebacker has been a force in the running game during his time there, but his play in pass coverage against running backs and tight ends is better than Vander Esch along with his ability to rush the passer.
The Cowboys would be able to pair two highly athletic linebackers together, players that are effective at both stopping the run and dropping back into coverage. Not too many teams can say that, but again that's if the Joneses are serious about going all-in. Queen would be an excellent addition if that were the case.
Lavonte David - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
PFF Overall Grade: 28th out of 83 Linebackers
David has been a name Cowboys fans have floated around quite a bit last offseason and during the trade deadline this season. While he's an older linebacker his intelligence on the field is beyond reproach and would come in handy for a Dallas Cowboys team looking for a veteran to man the middle of their defense and teach their younger linebackers how to play the position. David would be a bit of a liability in the passing game but can still make a difference in the running game for the Cowboys if given the opprotunity to do so.
The Cowboys can't trust that Vander Esch will be able to come back from that serious neck injury and even though he's a player they really like they have to get out of that mentality, especially with a player that is dealing with an issue that serious. David would be able to come in and help get their linebacking group back on track and help develop their future at the position.