Dallas Cowboys still could use another veteran receiver (who and why)

The best man for the Dallas Cowboys job

Adding Cooks to pair with WR1 CeeDee Lamb was a brilliant move that was long overdue for the overall success to the Dallas Cowboys offense. But in reality, Cooks is not enough when you consider the uncertainty of Michael Gallup recovering from his ACL injury and the reliance on Jalen Tolbert to bounce back from a disappointing rookie campaign.

Now, I recognize Lamb can play in his natural slot position and Cooks can take the top off of opposing defenses with his speed, but who is the WR3 that can be counted on when Lamb and Cooks are covered and/or defenses are just having their way?

Who is the receiver Dak can depend on as his safety valve?

Basically, Dallas needs another Cedrick Wilson who can make the clutch plays when facing tough defenses.

One receiver who fits this mold is Jarvis Landry, a free agent who would be a difference maker in this newly designed West Coast offense. Recently released by the New Orleans Saints and still productive at age 30 (turns 31 in November), Landry will do wonders in this offense and make Dak Prescott life a lot easier, similar to when Amari Cooper was on the team.

Remember Landry is a 5x Pro Bowler who led the league in receptions in 2017 with 112. For his career, Landry has 714 receptions, 38 touchdowns, and his 564 receptions were the most by a wide receiver in his first six seasons in the league. Landry is a proven veteran that is an excellent route runner, still has top end speed, and would be another leader on a team full of youth.

Unlike Odell Beckham, Jr and DeAndre Hopkins, Landry does not have a high end price tag that demands for a massive pay day as an elite wideout. Landry falls right into the wheelhouse of the bargain bin shopping Stephen Jones loves so much. And if Stephen can sign Landry to a decent contract that satisfies both parties, the Dallas Cowboys will be one step closer to being not only one of the best teams in the NFC, but in the NFL.

Even though Landry played in nine games and ended the 2022 season on injury reserved, he still caught 25 passes for 272 yards, averaged 10.9 yards a reception, and one touchdown. Landry suffered torn ligaments in his ankle that slowed him down. Now that Landry is full recovered, the Dallas Cowboys should jump on an easy signing.

Landry knows he is no longer the elite receiver but understands what his pedigree brings to a hungry Dallas Cowboys team that is sitting at the doorsteps of a championship-caliber team. Be mindful this is a team that has collectively won 25 games over two seasons, has been one of the highest scoring teams, and features a defense that led the league in takeaways two years in a row.

And for good measure Dallas is one of the youngest teams in the league with talented players on both sides of the ball. Adding Landry will benefit young receivers like Tolbert-a player Dallas is relying on to take the next step as WR3/4.

The Dallas Cowboys cannot go into training camp with the wishful thinking of “wait and see mode. ” They can’t wait to see if Gallup is fully recovered, if Simi Fehoko is ready to play, or if the other youngsters like Dennis Houston, Antonio Callaway, and Dontario Drummond are ready to contribute beyond special teams.

If the aforementioned players take the next steps in their development to be competitive receivers, then the Dallas Cowboys can easily move on from Landry if they sign him to a short deal. But even if not, Landry is right there as a valuable insurance policy.

I am aware head coach Mike McCarthy will be more of a run oriented offense, but that should not negate the signing of Landry or any other veteran receiver.