5 Steps the Dallas Cowboys can still make to salvage free agency
By Reid Hanson
At this point it’s fair to say the Dallas Cowboys have botched free agency. As predictable as that is, it’s important to say nonetheless. About the only thing they managed to get right was signing Malik Hooker to a two-year deal, and extending DeMarcus Lawrence.
Other than that – total mess.
But all is not lost. The Dallas Cowboys do things like this every year. It’s always a disaster following the opening bell. It’s how fast they apply themselves in the coming days that typically determine their success.
Today we look at 5 steps to salvaging the Dallas Cowboys free agency period
We start with a little internal housekeeping
Step 1: Re-sign old faces
Jayron Kearse SAF/LB
I have been arguing this case since the season wrapped up over two months ago. The Dallas Cowboys need to re-sign Jayron Kearse. Not only was he a strong player and noted Pro Bowl snub, but he was a team leader and integral part of Dan Quinn’s defense.
How valuable was Jayron Kearse for the #Cowboys? Not only was he their top SAF but per @PFF he took 215 snaps at slot, 54 at boundary CB, 32 on ST & 176 on D-Line, while finishing top-5 in the NFL in MTkl% He was Dan Quinn’s “Master Key” on defense #DC4L pic.twitter.com/7ZxC3pa5C3
— Reid D Hanson (@ReidDHanson) January 29, 2022
As you may have noticed in his position description, I listed him as a safety and a linebacker. That’s because Kearse played between blurred lines and handled many roles and responsibilities of both positions. For a team that was constantly short of linebackers, that was key to the Dallas Cowboys success in 2021.
Dallas has made an offer, and it appears it was insultingly low (a common trend of Stephen Jones). With only one good season on his resume, the Cowboys shouldn’t break the bank here, but a 2 or 3 year deal for roughly $6-7M per seems to fall in line with most market estimates
Brent Urban, DL
Brent Urban also gained a fan following last season in Dallas. The run-stuffer from Chicago came to the Dallas Cowboys to play a little DE and a little DT, alternating between 1-gap and 2-gap responsibilities.
Like Kearse, he offered versatility and a workman like attitude. His season was cut short and he never made the impact many hoped he would, but his ability to impact the defense remains the same and his cost should be extremely affordable.
Dallas signed him last season to a $1.25M deal coming off one of his best seasons as a pro, it stands to reason this year won’t cost much more. According to Kate’s twitter account (Brent’s wife and great follow) Stephen Jones has apparently made an offer and it was…well…on brand for Stephen.