Dallas Cowboys: 3 Free agent targets still available after Kazee signing

2. Geno Atkins, DT

The Cowboys went out in 2020 and tried to bring in a couple of big name defensive tackles in Dontari Poe and Gerald McCoy. Those signings backfired as McCoy never played a down in Dallas and Poe lasted just seven games. Not only that, but the entire line played better when Poe was released.

The failure there could lead to some reluctance to sign a well-known defensive lineman who is over 30. That could also be why the signings on the D-line in 2021 have been more modest. This offseason, Dallas has gone with players such as Carlos Watkins and Brent Urban.

It does make sense to add some solid role players but the Cowboys shouldn’t be afraid to add a player who has some elite talent — even if he’s on the back nine. That’s where Geno Atkins is, as the soon-to-be 33-year old is looking for a new NFL home.

Atkins, a former fourth-round pick from Georgia, has eight Pro Bowls under his belt and was once considered one of the more dominant interior pass rushers in the game. Of course, now he won’t have as big of a load as he once did but that doesn’t mean he can’t help.

In 2019, Atkins had 47 tackles and 4.5 sacks for Cincinnati but then he struggled mightily in 2021. In eight games, he had just one tackle but he was also trying to push through a shoulder injury which eventually required surgery.

Now healthy, Atkins is drawing interest and the Cowboys should be one of the teams to kick the tires. He wouldn’t be a long-term answer but he could help them bridge the gap to their next three-tech defensive tackle.