Released Defender is Intriguing Cowboys Fit Following Mike Zimmer's Comments

New Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer wants to make a philosophy change for the Cowboys’ defense next season. 

Dallas VP of Player Personnel Will Clay shed some light on the new philosophy last week at the NFL Scouting Combine and told reporters that Zimmer “wants to play solid football up front” and that they will look at bigger bodies inside.

The Cowboys had one of the best defenses in the NFL this past season but had some issues stopping the run (allowing 112.4 rushing yards per game, 16th in the NFL). Dallas will have to make some tough decisions to find those bigger bodies on the defensive line this offseason, but it’s not impossible.

Dallas can fill this defensive need in the NFL Draft or free agency. If the Cowboys take the latter route, a solid veteran defensive lineman is available. 

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Monday that the Jaguars are releasing defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi. The 29-year-old defensive tackle has been one of the most consistent linemen over the last three years, starting in 44 out of 45 games. 

Fatukasi had 24 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits this past season with the Jaguars. The veteran defensive lineman is known for his run-stopping ability and helped the Jags to have the ninth-best rushing defense in 2023 (103.1 rushing yards per game allowed).

The Cowboys will likely have competition for Fatukasi as other teams across the league also need a run-stopping defensive lineman and have more cap space than Dallas.

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