Dallas Cowboys: Signal offensive tackle isn’t an early draft target

The Dallas Cowboys didn’t get off to the red hot start to free agency like many of us were hoping they would. After inking Dak Prescott to a multiyear deal, Dallas essentially cleared $17 million in cap space. And by restructuring a couple other deals, they have to ability to clear even more.

Yet, for the most part, the Cowboys were quiet in free agency’s first 48 hours – Preferring to make low-dollar down roster moves until the market cools. But it’s those small moves that speak volumes. And coupled with a couple other front office decisions, may indicate what the front office is thinking early in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.

The Dallas Cowboys may have told us their intentions regarding OT in the draft

Yesterday the Cowboys signed swing tackle Ty Nsekhe to a 1-year deal to replace Cam Erving as the primary swing tackle. The 35-year-old journeyman stands 6-foot-8, 330lbs and has experience at playing both right and left. He’s long in the tooth but his mileage is low so he should be a reliable backup to La’el Collins and Tyron Smith, who are sure to miss time in 2021.

The fact that Dallas targeted OT early was telling. By signing Nsekhe, they clearly wanted a strong OT who they could rely on, and at the same time, had no intention of signing anything more than that. In other words, they weren’t trying to bring in a potential starter like they were worried Smith or Collins wouldn’t be ready to go Week 1.

Also speaking to the faith they have in Smith and Collins’ recovery is the recent restructuring of their contracts. While it’s possible they could be pulling a “Saints” and pushing money to spread the pain after they immediately cut them, that is not traditionally something this front office does.

It’s when the Dallas Cowboys don’t restructure your deal when you should be concerned. That indicates the team questions your future beyond the current season and therefore wants the money off the books as quickly as possible.

So the fact that Dallas restructured both their OTs AND signed a true veteran swing tackle right out of the gate in free agency, indicates all systems normal, so to speak.

There’s a good chance when the Dallas Cowboys go on the clock at Pick 10, a good OT will be on their board. Stephen Jones also indicated they are not beyond the idea of drafting an offensive player if he’s the best player on their board.

Given the restructuring and the signing that just happened, he may be indicating an offensive pass-catcher and not an offensive tackle.

We may be reading into this too much but it’s telling that the Dallas Cowboys restructured both of their OTs deals and signed a solid (but non-threatening) swing tackle – they feel good about their OT situation going into 2021.

• Published on 03/17/2021 at 11:01 AM
• Last updated at 03/17/2021 at 08:31 AM