Jerry Jones’ Dallas Cowboys continue to add defensive pieces via free agency.
This offseason for the always-interesting Dallas Cowboys has basically focused around one person. Four-year quarterback Dak Prescott never got the long term deal both sides were looking for but he is under contract after signing his franchise tender the summer (via ESPN.com).
Meanwhile, the other big news surrounding this team in 2020 was the many defections via free agency, especially when it comes to defensive side of the ball.
While arguably the biggest name in terms of defections was cornerback Byron Jones, the defensive front saw a mass exodus. Last season’s team sack leader, Robert Quinn, signed with the Bears, pass-rusher Kerry Hyder joined the 49ers and unsigned veteran Michael Bennett recently opted for retirement.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
On the interior, Maliek Collins and Daniel Ross are now members of the Las Vegas Raiders and Christian Covington signed with the Broncos.
Hence, the organization brought in a trio of former first-round draft choices in Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe — both who spent 2019 with the Carolina Panthers — as well as Aldon Smith. The potent pass rusher hasn’t played since 2015 and is attempting quite the comeback.
Is Everson Griffen the last piece the Cowboys defense needs?
But now add veteran Everson Griffen to the mix. The 10-year pro was named to four Pro Bowls during his days with the Minnesota Vikings. He racked up 74.5 regular-season sacks with the club and now looks to bring his game to a unit that disappointed in many ways this past season.
Bucky Brooks of NFL Media offers his analysis on the impact Griffen could have on coordinator Mike Nolan’s defense and summarizes with this:
"The veteran is a stout run defender who plays with fanatical effort and relentless energy on every down. Overall, Griffen is a blue-chip player who is an upgrade over his predecessor (Robert Quinn) and a potential difference-maker for a championship-caliber defense."
Of course, new Dallas Cowboys’ head coach and former Packers’ sideline leader Mike McCarthy is more than familiar with what the former Vikings’ standout can do. The club now has a veteran-laden defensive front and that includes two-time Pro Bowler Demarcus Lawrence. And perhaps Nolan can help this group find the consistency that eluded this defense in 2019.