Dallas Cowboys: 5 Budget free agents to target for 2021

3. Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback

Last season, the Cowboys had a chance to land Xavier Rhodes but they passed on the opportunity. Following the departure of Byron Jones, the Cowboys needed help at cornerback but they elected to go with Daryl Worley (who didn’t finish the season with the team) and rookie Trevon Diggs.

There was also Anthony Brown and Chidobe Awuzie as well, but there’s no denying this team was lacking a legit No. 1 corner (Diggs could become that but as a rookie, he was simply getting his feet wet and was thrown to the wolves).

Rhodes was available after the Minnesota Vikings let him go and when that happened, it was understandable. Rhodes struggled in 2019 and it seemed as though the veteran had lost a step. But then, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts where he played under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who used to be the linebacker coach in Dallas.

Rhodes turned back the clock last season and was a top-10 cornerback in the NFL. He started all 16 games and had 42 tackles with two interceptions (one pick-six) and 12 pass defenses. The Cowboys could have used a player of his caliber in 2020 and need one even more in 2021 with Awuzie likely on the way out.

Set to be 31-years old this season, Rhodes might not have many years left and that could play into the Cowboys’ hands as they could potentially land him on a short-term deal that won’t break the bank.