Dallas Cowboys: 5 Realistic targets in 2019 NFL free agency

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Adam Humphries #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during warmups before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Adam Humphries #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during warmups before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 22: LaAdrian Waddle #68 of the New England Patriots reacts after a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 22: LaAdrian Waddle #68 of the New England Patriots reacts after a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /

5. LaAdrian Waddle, OT, New England Patriots

Not to open any old wounds, but most Cowboys fans still remember the problems this team had when trying to replace Tyron Smith in 2017. Chaz Green and Byron Bell proved to be liabilities on the edge against the Atlanta Falcons and Dak Prescott spent the entire day on the turf because of that.

More from NFL Spin Zone

Heading into 2018, the Cowboys decided that wasn’t going to happen again. They went out and added Cameron Fleming, who spent the first four seasons of his career with the New England Patriots. Fleming came in with 20 career starts and gave Dallas an experienced swing tackle. He started three games for the Cowboys and while he wasn’t exceptional, he did his job.

Now, Fleming enters free agency and Dallas could try and retain his services. Or they can look at another Patriots linemen set to hit the open market in LaAdrian Waddle. Like Fleming, Waddle served as a swing tackle for New England but actually has a few more starts as he’s done so 31 times in 61 games.

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Detroit Lions out of Texas Tech, Waddle started 24 games in three seasons with the Lions before being cut. He was signed by the Patriots and has since had seven starts for them.

While his time in New England was limited, Waddle has plenty of experience and could serve as the swing tackle in 2019 should the Cowboys decide to let Fleming walk. This wouldn’t be a splash signing by any means, but it could be one that creates some much needed offensive line depth.