Dallas Cowboys: 7 Early free agency targets at defensive tackle in 2020
By Randy Gurzi
7. Timmy Jernigan
Coming out of Florida State in 2014, Timmy Jernigan was linked to the Cowboys — since they were still desperate for defensive line help. While tackle was a need, it was hard to argue that defensive end wasn’t a more dire need since they had just released DeMarcus Ware.
With one of the greatest edge rushers in their history gone, Dallas traded up in that draft for DeMarcus Lawrence. They surrendered their second and third-round picks to move to No. 34 for Lawrence and the Boise State product has become their leader on the D-line.
As for Jernigan, he started out strong with the Baltimore Ravens racking up 93 tackles, 13 sacks, and a pick in three seasons. He was then traded away in 2017 as the Philadelphia Eagles picked him up to strengthen their defensive line.
Jernigan played well in 2017 for them but then dropped off during his second campaign with the team, scoring just two tackles in three games. A back injury forced him to miss the majority of the season and the team declined an option in his four-year $48 million deal — but then re-signed him for one season.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see him hit free agency in 2020 considering he hasn’t regained the form he had early on in his career. While that might make it seem as though Dallas shouldn’t be interested, it could actually play into their favor.
The Cowboys have done well in the past finding players who are trying to revive their careers and Jernigan could still do that considering he’s still just 27-years of age. He could also be very affordable and allow them to give Trysten Hill more time to develop.