Cowboys given green light to sign former All-Pro (and they'd be silly not to)

As evidenced by their recent signings of UFL players, the Dallas Cowboys clearly think their roster needs an injection of talent. Just this week they've signed All-UFL linebacker Willie Harvey Jr. and former Raiders first-round pick Gareon Conley of the DC Defenders.

The Cowboys might not be done dipping into the UFL pool, as they are working out standout defensive end Jonathan Garvin, per insider Tom Pelissero. Garvin previously played three seasons for the Packers. This season, he was PFF's No. 2 ranked EDGE and posted a 33.1% pass-rush win rate.

Hopefully Dallas can continue its excellent track record with spring league talent, but it doesn't inspire much confidence that there are legitimate NFL caliber players still available and the team is scouring the UFL.

While the Cowboys need help at defensive tackle and running back, the offensive line is essentially riding on the shoulders of No. 29 overall pick Tyler Guyton, who's expected to start at left tackle. It wouldn't hurt to add an experienced tackle in the event Guyton struggles or another starter gets injured.

Well, former All-Pro tackle David Bakhtiari is still available and he revealed this week that he's almost ready to meet with teams.

Cowboys should absolutely free agent offensive tackle David Bakhtiari

"It’s mutual," Bakhtiari posted on X (formerly Twitter) about why he's still a free agent. "I’m waiting to make sure there’s no question marks about the knee. We are nearing the end of my rehab so things are gonna heat up on both ends in the coming two months. I’m excited to remind everyone again."

Even with Bakhtiari's recent injury history, the Cowboys should be all over this. A former fourth-round pick of the Packers in 2014, Bakhtiari is a three-time Pro Bowler and was a First-Team All-Pro as recently as the 2020 season. The only problem? He's played a combined 13 games in the three seasons since.

Bakhtiari tore his ACL near the end of the 2020 season and has suffered multiple setbacks since his initial surgery. He's underwent multiple procedures since to fix the knee. His most recent operation supposedly set right a cartilage issue and has restored his confidence enough to return to the gridiron.

The Cowboys obviously should proceed with caution, but Bakhtiari is head and shoulders above every remaining free agent tackle. They re-signed Chuma Edoga to presumably be their swing tackle, but even with his health concerns, the 32-year-old Bakhtiari would instill more confidence in a potential spot-start.

He'd also be an excellent mentor to Guyton. While the first-round pick seems to have an excellent mental drive, Bakhtiari could help Guyton correct anything he may struggle with as a rookie.

It would be a win-win all-around for the Cowboys and they'd be silly not to at least give Bakhtiari a call once his rehab is complete.

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