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Dallas Cowboys: Top-5 Free Agent Safeties to target

By Reid Hanson

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 08: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots reacts during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs in the game at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 08: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots reacts during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs in the game at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 21: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass and runs against the defense o\f Robby Anderson #11 of the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Devin McCourty, FS

Devin McCourty has been the Gold Standard at safety this past decade and he enters free agency still at the top of his game. Bill Belichick has built his defense on a strong secondary that he can leave alone and trust to perform. While some schemes protect their safeties, The Pats expose the safety spot. And McCourty welcomes the challenge.

Pro Football Focus had McCourty as the NFL’s 10th ranked safety this past season, getting an elite 89.1 score in coverage and an acceptable 61.6 against the run. For perspective, Jeff Heath was 69 in coverage and 61 against the run. The most draw-dropping number is the 61.0 passer rating he’s limited QBs to when he’s targeted (Perspective again: Xavier Woods allowed 79.1 and Heath a 92.6 passer rating).

The only thing holding McCourty back is his age. Aged 32, his decline is neigh. And Bill Belichick, fearing the inevitable, may be willing to let one of his best players finally test the market. Given McCourty’s age, he’s not going cost Earl Thomas money but he’s not going to be cheap either. But his track record and impressive resume may be too hard to resist for a team like Dallas.

McCourty’s pedigree is going to cost someone, and a one-year deal is likely out of the question. But a 3-year contract with the bulk of the money upfront may allow Dallas to upgrade one of their most upgradeable positions and keep their window open a bit longer. With a new defensive scheme coming in with the new coaching staff, having two safeties strong in coverage could be wise.

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