David Irving could save the Dallas Cowboys D-line, there’s just 1 problem

The Dallas Cowboys sure could use a dominant inside presence like David Irving, there’s just one big problem…

The Dallas Cowboys are in the midst of a churn year on their defensive line. Two out of four starters are already gone, and a handful of rotational pieces may not be far behind. With a huge contract looming for Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys are not expected to be major players in the top tier of the free agent market.

Instead, Dallas is expected to explore some more affordable options as they re-build their defensive line. Some will come by way of draft and others have already arrived via free agency (see also, Gerald McCoy). But with the ratifying of the new CBA, one could come under the NFL’s newly found tolerance towards marijuana.

Randy Gregory stands to gain the most on the Dallas Cowboys. We discussed his situation earlier and how if/when he’s reinstated, he should have his best year as a pro. That doesn’t mean it’s all hunky-dory for Gregory though. Catch up here: It’s not all smooth sailing for Randy Gregory now…

David Irving is another player who stands to gain enormously under the new CBA. Irving, like Gregory, preferred to treat himself with marijuana rather than with NFL-sanctioned prescription drugs.

His preferred treatment earned him an indefinite suspension which prompted his premature retirement from the league. But last month he announced he’s filed for reinstatement and plans to come back to the job that made him famous.

Great news for the Dallas Cowboys?

Nope.

Unlike Randy Gregory, Irving is not under contract with the Dallas Cowboys. If and when he’s reinstated, he’s free to sign with whomever he pleases. That means the Cowboys would have to compete for his services.

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How much competition would there be for the maligned Irving? It’s tough to say. In his last 13-games played, Irving collected 11 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. On a per-snap basis, the 6-foot-7, 290lb lineman is one of the most impactful players in the NFL. Additionally, he can play anywhere on the line. Even if he’s effectively blocked, his reach is something that can make life difficult for passers and rushers alike. He’s basically one of the most physically dominant players in the NFL.

For a defense like Dallas’ that wants to go “multiple” and values position flex as much as anything, Irving could put this D-line over the top. Which again brings us back to that one major problem – he ain’t ours.

David Irving and the Dallas Cowboys didn’t exactly part on the best of terms. Jason Garrett had some choice words for him as he left the team and even though Garrett’s no longer in Dallas, the memory and subsequent guilt by association is lasting.

In his last 13-games played, Irving collected 11 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. On a per-snap basis, the 6-foot-7, 290lb lineman is one of the most impactful players in the NFL.

Should the Dallas Cowboys pursue David Irving? Heck yes. Signing him to a 1-year guaranteed prove-it deal may be all this D-line needs to be a dominant force in 2020. And if other teams aren’t bidding on him, it might get it done. But if given the option of a fresh start elsewhere, Irving may opt for someone other than the Dallas Cowboys.

With the NFL no longer suspending for positive marijuana tests, Irving is no longer the high-risk player he once was. Given his brashness, priorities, and outspokenness he’s not exactly a low-risk locker room addition either. But he’s the devil we know and any baggage that comes along with that production, seems well worth it to me. How about you?

It can reasonably be assumed David Irving will be reinstated this year and that his presence on the Dallas Cowboys would be enormous. The only problem is he’s a free agent and can sign with anyone. Can we get him back? Should we try?

• Published on 03/20/2020 at 11:01 AM
• Last updated at 03/23/2020 at 07:37 AM