Injury update on former Cowboy gives Dallas perfect buy-low opportunity

Unless the Dallas Cowboys make a string of free agent signings out of nowhere, they'll be drafting for need next month. Drafting for need is a terrible place to be, as it often coincides with reaching on a prospect.

While the Mazi Smith pick was praised at the time, No. 26 overall seemed a bit rich for the Michigan product. But the Cowboys desperately needed another interior defensive linemen to pair with veteran Johnathan Hankins.

This year, Dallas has cornered itself to taking an offensive linemen -- likely a tackle -- after it allowed Tyron Smith to sign with the Jets. The Cowboys also needs a center after starter Tyler Biadasz followed Dan Quinn to Washington. Ideally, Dallas will plug one of those holes before the draft so it can invest in other positions like edge rusher, linebacker, wide receiver and potentially another nose tackle.

There isn't many starting-level centers left in free agency, but old friend Connor Williams is still available after he tore his ACL in December. Williams' agent Drew Rosenhaus has revealed the details and timeline of Williams' recovery and in doing so gave the Cowboys a potential solution to their center predicament.

Cowboys could sign former center Connor Williams before the 2024 season

“So Connor had a, without getting into his private business, it was a significant knee injury,” Rosenhaus said on Miami television station WSVN. “So, he’s taking his time with his rehab. I don’t think his immediate plan is to sign with the Dolphins or any team right now. I think he’s focused on his medical situation — getting healthy — and then see where he stands at that point. So, it’s not going to be any time soon that we see Connor Williams signing with an NFL team.”

That's not the most uplifting update, but it 's been speculated that Williams' injury could be career-threatening. Rosenhaus makes it seem like the former Cowboy is not only planning on returning to football, but wants to play in 2024. That makes Williams a perfect buy-low target in the dog days of the offseason.

There are myriad veterans who latch onto teams just before training camp. It couldn't hurt Dallas to take a flier on Williams, who made the switch from guard to center with the Dolphins. It proved to be a seamless transition.

Before the injury, Williams' 90.5 run-blocking grade ranked first among 33 qualified centers, per Pro Football Focus. He also allowed the second-fewest sacks and no center allowed fewer pressures. He also placed fourth at the position with a 98.7 pass-blocking efficiency.

The Cowboys would be foolish to bank on Williams as their starting center. However, if his ACL recovery goes according to plan, he could prove to be a bargain signing before training camp as he could double as a center and guard.

There seemingly isn't bad blood between Williams and Dallas after he left as a free agent two years ago. If he's open to a return, the Cowboys should be all over it.

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