Dallas Cowboys: Grading big free agency signings so far

Carlos Watkins, DT (Houston Texans)

Grade: B-

The addition of Carlos Watkins to the Dallas defensive tackle rotation will cost the team just $1.75 million on a one year deal. The former Houston Texan was a fourth round pick in 2017 and has gone on to play in 42 games for the AFC West squad.

Watkins has been a rotational lineman for the Texans and that trend will likely continue in Dallas as coordinator Dan Quinn has always liked having constant rotation at that position group. The Cowboys are not betting on upside with Watkins like they may be with Basham but he fills a need at the three-technique tackle position and likely spells the end of Gerald McCoy’s brief tenure in Dallas.

This move does not keep the Cowboys from drafting an impact defensive tackle early in the draft but does give them solid depth at the position ahead of some other moves being made. Watkins has four career sacks and nine tackles for loss and had the best season of his career in 2020 on a poor Houston defense.

If he continues to trend up he could end up being a bargain signing for the Cowboys as they look to continue rebuilding their defense for a playoff push in 2021. At the moment he does little to move the needle but could thrive with all of the attention that the talented edge rushers could attract.