The Dallas Cowboys' 2025 offseason experience has gotten off to a surprisingly active start.
Unlike the 2024 offseason, the Cowboys haven't hesitated to sign free agents as they look to return to the postseason. Although they haven't necessarily added any superstar players, Jerry Jones & Co. have done a solid job at rounding out the depth chart, signing a list of proven veteran free agents that includes linebacker Jack Sanborn.
Despite being ready for a fresh start, the 24-year-old LB didn't have any intention of leaving his former team, the Chicago Bears. At least, not until the Bears committed a major gaff that led to his joining America's Team.
Cowboys News: Bears Failure to Tender Jack Sanborn Led to Dallas Signing
On Tuesday, LoneStarLive.com's Josh Tolentino reported that the Bears' failure to tender Sanborn's restricted free agent qualifying offer gave the veteran defender all the motivation he needed to join the Cowboys.
"As a player, you always think the best of yourself and, obviously, I would have loved to have been tendered (in Chicago)," Sanborn revealed. "At the same time, just going through the whole process being my first time (as an RFA), I didn't know what to expect to come out of it."
"I'm excited to be in Dallas and have this opportunity and win a lot of football games with the Cowboys."
New Cowboys LB Jack Sanborn on his departure from the Chicago Bears: "As a player, you always think the best of yourself and obviously I would have loved to have been tendered there, but at the same time...just going through this whole process being my first time through it, I… pic.twitter.com/xbwD0OBYvr
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) March 18, 2025
Athletes often want to play where they're appreciated, so it isn't shocking that Sanborn was more than open to leaving Chicago after the Bears didn't tender him. Fortunately, the Cowboys stepped up where the Bears failed, and it's clear that the coaching staff and front office have already made the former Wisconsin Badger feel welcome.
Sanborn, 24, is a former undrafted linebacker who's spent the last three seasons with the Bears. He often played in a backup role throughout his tenure, starting in only 19 of 48 appearances as he tallied 110 solo tackles, five broken-up passes, 4.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and an interception.
Having said that, Sanborn will be looking to bounce back with the Cowboys after recording a career-worst 63.1 Pro Football Focus defense grade last season. His grades as a pass rusher (70.1) and against the run (70.5) were solid, though, leaving a hope that he can rebound now that he's reunited with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who coached the Bears during the former's Windy City run.
It's too early to tell if Sanborn's addition — and any other offseason signing — will be enough to help the Cowboys be more competitive next season. For now, Dallas will continue the offseason while being tied for the 19th-best Super Bowl 60 odds (+7000) on DraftKings Sportsbook.
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