Dallas Cowboys: 7 Early free agency targets at defensive tackle in 2020

By Randy Gurzi | Dec 23, 2019

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to avoid a tackle by Javon Hargrave #79 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. Pittsburgh won 23-17. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 08: Vernon Butler #92 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a sack in the first half on an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

5. Vernon Butler

Back in 2016, the Carolina Panthers picked up Vernon Butler who was a star at Louisiana Tech. The 6-foot-3, 323-pound defensive tackle was the 30th overall selection and joined a team known for their defensive prowess — they had just come off their 15-1 campaign that was led by a strong defense and MVP season from quarterback Cam Newton.

Carolina came up short in the Super Bowl and wanted to beef their line up to remain contenders. That ended up not happening as they struggled with consistency and this season, they even decided to fire head coach Ron Rivera.

As for Butler, he has yet to live up to his draft status. He had just 13 tackles in each of his first two seasons and 19 in 2018. That led to Carolina declining the fifth-year option on Butler’s rookie deal and he will hit free agency in the offseason.

Playing without that security in his contract must have motivated Butler in 2019 as he’s having his best season as a pro. Heading into Week 16, he already has career highs in tackles (29), tackles for a loss (seven), sacks (six), and forced fumbles (three).

His performance could lead to Carolina trying to re-sign him, but if they are unable to come to an agreement Dallas should bring him in for a visit and see what it would take to land him.

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