Things did not go well for the Dallas Cowboys defense in 2024. Mike McCarthy’s last gasp to save his job was to employ former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator and things snowballed from there. Dallas ranked 31st in scoring (468) and 28th (6,022 yards) in total defense and as a result, many members of last year’s group were looking for new jobs this spring.
There were even more players from the previous season who looked for a second chance under Dan Quinn. Quinn led the Cowboys unit from 2021 to 2023 before leaving to become head coach of the Washington Commanders and several players followed him in search of a new beginning.
But one of those players is already on notice and will need a strong offseason program to make sure he has a job when the season kicks off.
Noah Igbinoghene is on Notice Entering First OTAs with Commanders
Noah Igbinoghene was one player that came to Dallas to revive his career before the 2023 season. The 30th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Auburn alum was considered a project entering the NFL and it showed as he acclimated to the professional level.
After appearing in 16 games during his rookie season, he struggled in seven games during his sophomore season. His Pro Football Focus grade continued to flirt around 50 (51.8) during the 2022 season and hit rock bottom when he was declared inactive in eight games.
With the addition of Jalen Ramsey, Eli Apple and second-rounder Cam Smith, the Dolphins threw in the towel and traded Igbinoghene to Dallas in the final round of training camp cuts in 2023.
While he scored a touchdown on a blocked field goal in the season-opening win over the New York Giants, it turned out to be the highlight of his time in Dallas, playing just 25 snaps and allowing a pair of catches for 27 yards on three targets.
A free agent for the first time in his career, Igbinoghene followed Quinn to Washington and got his first taste of extended playing time. But the 971 snaps were a bitter pill to swallow as Igbinoghene allowed 54 catches for 556 yards and three touchdowns with six pass breakups on 86 targets.
The poor performance led Washington to sign former New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones in free agency. The move adds competition but it should be a low bar to clear considering Jones led all qualifying cornerbacks with 2.25 yards per coverage snap allowed in the slot last season.
If Igbinoghene has a poor camp, Quinn may have a solid case to move on. But if he steps up, he has a chance to step up and be the rare Cowboys defender that has seen success at his new home.