Dallas Cowboys should be on phone with Damon Harrison right now
Damon Harrison was released by Detroit and the Dallas Cowboys should be ready to sign the veteran defensive tackle right now and address a need.
On Thursday night, the run of Damon Harrison, affectionately nicknamed “Snacks”, with the Detroit Lions came to a close. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions elected to release the 31-year-old defensive tackle, saving $6.72 million and taking on $5 million in dead money according to Over The Cap. And the Dallas Cowboys should already be planning to swoop in.
The Cowboys’ plight in the 2020 offseason is no secret. They are looking to work out a long-term deal with quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper. Meanwhile, key defensive pieces such as cornerback Byron Jones and defensive end Robert Quinn are also slated to hit free agency. So though they have almost $80 million in cap space currently, they aren’t all that flexible.
Despite that, Dallas has a hole to fill at defensive tackle. 2019 second-round pick Trysten Hill — who was wholly ineffective as a rookie — and Tyrone Crawford (a cut candidate) are the only two defensive tackles currently under contract for 2020. And while they will likely bring back restricted free agent Antwaun Woods, this is still a group that needs depth and help stopping the run.
The latter part of that equation is most definitely Harrison’s forte. The big man is an elite force against the run, presenting himself as one of the premier defensive linemen in the league in that regard throughout his career.
Furthermore, Harrison has been an ironman throughout his career, rarely missing a game and battling through injuries. Even on the wrong side of 30 years old, you have to believe that isn’t going anywhere should the Cowboys sign him.
Next. 2020 NFL Free Agency: Early predictions for top 25 players. dark
This is going to be one of the biggest tests for the Dallas front office this offseason. Not only do they have major contracts to navigate with Prescott and Cooper but they must also work to fortify the roster in ways that address deficiencies with the team. Adding a player like Harrison, who should come at a relatively modest price, would be an ideal way to do so in free agency.