3 Former NFC East Rivals the Cowboys Should Still Target in Free Agency
By Jovan Alford
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t made a ton of splash free-agent signings this offseason, outside of veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks and veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott. Kendricks and Elliott should help the Cowboys immediately at those two position groups as they claimed earlier in the offseason that they are “all-in.”
That said, the Cowboys still have some holes to address on their 90-man roster before training camp begins next month in Oxnard, California. The good news for Dallas’ front office is that they don’t have to go far for help, as they can look inside their division.
The NFC East has gone through a lot of change this offseason, which means there are still a few free agents available that could pique the Cowboys’ interest. Below, we’ll discuss those free agents that Jerry Jones and Co. should pursue.
1. Zach Cunningham, LB
The Cowboys saw Leighton Vander Esch surprisingly announce his retirement from the NFL earlier this offseason. For Dallas, losing Vander Esch to retirement was a huge blow, as their LB core wasn’t great as constructed.
However, the Cowboys didn’t panic as they signed Kendricks in free agency to a one-year deal and selected former Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau in the third round. Kendricks, Liufau, Damone Clark, and DeMarvion Overshown is a solid linebacker unit.
That said, the Cowboys might want to add more vets to this group. And who better than former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zach Cunningham? Cunningham is an unrestricted free agent after spending last season with the Eagles.
The 29-year-old Cunningham was Philly’s best linebacker last season, as he was solid against the run and defending the pass. The 6-foot-3 linebacker posted 85 combined tackles, four pass deflections, two tackles for loss, a quarterback hit, and a fumble recovery.
As for pass coverage, Cunningham had a 75.9 completion percentage allowed on targets, a 93.9 pass rating allowed when targeted, and only gave up a touchdown. Even though he can still start, Dallas would add him as a depth piece, just in case one of the younger linebackers struggles out the gate.