Dallas Cowboys: Grading big free agency signings so far

Tarell Basham, DE (New York Jets)

Grade: B

The Cowboys addressed another position of need by signing Tarell Basham to a two year, $5.5 million contract. The deal includes $3.75 million guaranteed including a $2.5 million signing bonus so it is a modest contract for a player with a solid track record of production.

After choosing not to bring back Aldon Smith, the Cowboys needed a designated pass rusher and they have one now in Basham. The former New York Jet has 7.5 sacks and 23 QB hits in 58 career games but he has only been on the field for more than 50 percent of his team’s snaps in two seasons in his four year career.

The Cowboys are betting on the former third round pick continuing to improve as he is still just 27 and he could benefit from pairing with the likes of DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory. He has good size at 6-4, 270 pounds and is athletic enough to make plays in the run and pass game. Basham is not a world beater by any means but he can bring a solid level of play and production as a designated pass rusher.

If the Cowboys choose to move on from Basham after this season he would cost them just $1.25 million in dead cap so the move has plenty of upside with minimal risk. This also allows the Cowboys to not have to reach for an edge rusher in the upcoming draft.