With week one of the NFL free agent frenzy in the books, let’s get into week two of the NFL free agency. There are still quality players looking for a new opportunity and change of scenery. In this piece, we will be breaking down three free agents that I feel the Cowboys should target. These players certainly fit Jones’s quota of not breaking the bank.
Will Hernandez, New York Giants, Guard
Since the loss of offensive guard Connor Williams to the Dolphins, there’s an open spot for the left guard position. Former 2018 second-round pick (34th overall) Will Hernandez could possibly fill that spot. Who in his pre-draft process was a 30-day visit by Dallas Cowboys hence there’s some familiarity between the two.
In his four years with the New York Giants, he’s played in 62 games and has started in 56 of them. In 2020 he missed six games due to COVID otherwise he started every game at left guard and in 2021 at right guard. Hernandez brings physicality, availability, and drive. That being said, he hasn’t played to his full draft status, but maybe a new team and opportunity could help vitalize Hernandez’s career. In addition, he can possibly fill a need at the starting left guard position in Dallas.
DeShon Elliott, Baltimore Ravens Safety
With the recent re-signing of safeties Jayron Kearse and Malik Hooker filling a great need at the safety position, that doesn’t mean there’s no room for a depth/potential starter. That player could be former 2018 sixth-round pick (190th overall) DeShon Elliott. When healthy has been a solid piece for the Baltimore Ravens.
However, injuries have hampered his career. In 2018 he was placed on injured reserve with a fractured forearm and the following year he suffered a knee injury. This year Elliott was on an injury-depleted secondary in Baltimore. Elliott was having a solid season until mid-November when he suffered a season-ending bicep and pectoral injury.
If you follow the Cowboys, you know Jerry and Stephen Jones favor players who have injury-hampered careers and great potential. Elliott’s situation can be somewhat similar to last year with the signing of safety Malik Hooker who proved to be a solid piece for the secondary.
What Elliott could bring to the Cowboys is a safety who can cover tight ends or a safety who can come downhill to hit running backs or QBs for negative yards. He’s a player that brings physicality and has been solid at diagnosing and disrupting plays. Which gives all the reason for the Cowboys to target him as a potential rotational piece in the secondary.
Neville Hewitt, Houston Texans, Linebacker
As a fan of the Cowboys I know we have been high on getting former Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner. But reports have come out that a Dan Quinn and Wagner reunion will be unlikely. Besides, it’s better to look at other options at the linebacker position.
What if I told you there’s another linebacker out there that could fill what’s needed at the inside linebacker spot? Who is not a household name but can potentially start for you in week one? That guy is former Texans linebacker Neville Hewitt who was undrafted out of Marshall and signed by the Miami Dolphins in 2015.
Hewitt was a safety converted into a linebacker in college so he brings coverage skills. In his seven years in the league, he has been under the radar as a linebacker but making a name for himself as a leader. He is a solid tackler and has the ability to stop the run.
Basically all the qualities you would want in a starting inside linebacker. Hewitt is not a Bobby Wagner type of player by any means. But he is a player that can make an impact as a leader and as an enforcer in the middle of the field.
Which of the remaining free agents should Dallas target next? Comment below and join the discussion!
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