Dallas Cowboys: Grading big free agency signings so far

Keanu Neal, Safety/LB (Atlanta Falcons)

Grade: A

The Cowboys addressed a position of need by bringing in the versatile Keanu Neal from the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year, $5 million deal. Neal played safety for the Falcons but is reportedly switching to weakside linebacker in the Cowboys’ scheme.

Originally a first round pick of the Falcons in 2016, Neal has had a productive career when healthy but has also been plagued with injuries. He played in at least 14 games in three of his five career seasons but only played in four games total in 2018 and 2019. Suffering an Achilles tear in 2019, Neal looked back to his old self and recorded 100 tackles for the third time in his career.

The former Falcon has just two career interceptions and 16 passes defended in 49 career games but coverage will be less of a concern once he makes the switch to linebacker. He has plenty of familiarity with Dan Quinn and his scheme as the two spent five seasons together in Atlanta so there should be few growing pains in his new role.

This move brings a big hitter and versatile playmaker on a cheap deal to a Cowboys defense that was sorely in need of both in 2020. His addition gives Dan Quinn another chess piece to move around and could help shore up a linebacker group that has plenty of talent but plenty of concerns as well.