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One NFL legend every team wishes they could bring back in 2021

By Randy Gurzi

Minnesota Viking Randy Moss (R) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Daunte Culpepper before Buccaneer Ronde Barber (L) in the second quarter 29 October 2000 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. AFP PHOTO/Peter MUHLY (Photo by PETER MUHLY / AFP) (Photo by PETER MUHLY/AFP via Getty Images)
Minnesota Viking Randy Moss (R) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Daunte Culpepper before Buccaneer Ronde Barber (L) in the second quarter 29 October 2000 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. AFP PHOTO/Peter MUHLY (Photo by PETER MUHLY / AFP) (Photo by PETER MUHLY/AFP via Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Season
7 Sep 1997: Defensive back Darren Woodson of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Cardinals won the game, 25-22. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport /

Dallas Cowboys: Darren Woodson, Safety

Heading into the 2021 NFL Season, the Dallas Cowboys are looking to rebound from a terrible 2020 campaign. It was Mike McCarthy’s first season as head coach and that led to expectations that they could finally shake some of the issues they had under Jason Garrett.

While the offense was more productive, the team was still struggling to get wins since their defense was so awful. Then in Week 5, Dak Prescott broke his ankle and was out for the season, which also killed their offensive output. With Prescott back this year, they’re hoping for the firepower on offense to return but they will still only go as far as this defense allows them to.

Dallas did add more help on that side with the selection of Micah Parsons in the 2021 NFL Draft as well as the addition of Keanu Neal and Damontae Kazee. On top of that, they replaced Mike Nolan with Dan Quinn which gives them a defensive coordinator they trust more. What they still don’t have — and haven’t had for years — is a game-changer on the back end of their defense.

That’s why Darren Woodson is the choice here — even though it’s tempting to go with DeMarcus Ware who would be great opposite DeMarcus Lawrence. Another reason we go safety over edge is the fact that Randy Gregory is expected to take a step forward after having a full offseason with the team. As for Woodson, he was the last great safety Dallas had and every elite defense needs to have a safety capable of making big plays (even if Stephen Jones doesn’t think so).

Woodson played in Dallas from 1992 through 2003 and recorded 967 tackles and 23 picks in that time. He was a sure-tackler who also could cover in the slot as well as any cornerback. He might not turn the Cowboys into an elite defense but he could mask a lot of their deficiencies.

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