Three More Free Agents The Cowboys Could Use
In conjunction with the 2022 NFL draft coming to an end, it’s now time to talk about potential free agents that are still looking for a spot to play. In this piece, we will break down three free agents that make sense for the Dallas Cowboys.
Trading WR Amari Cooper to the Browns earlier in the offseason is why this move makes sense. Dallas already made the addition of former Steeler WR James Washington in free agency and drafted Jalen Tolbert in the third round. There still leaves room for depth in this receiving corps due to the fact that Micheal Gallup is still recovering from his ACL injury that occurred in January. Most likely, Gallup won’t be ready until week four or five of the 2022-23 season.
It makes sense for the Cowboys to bring in a veteran presence, especially one like Sanders who has plenty left in the tank to make an impact. The guy that fills those boxes is 35-year-old Emmanuel Sanders who last year played for the Buffalo Bills. He racked up 42 catches for 626 yards and four touchdowns. Having Sanders as a part of this young WR core would add a veteran presence for them to learn from and a veteran weapon for QB Dak Prescott to throw to. Also, a bonus is he brings value as a solid punt returner.
Potential role-Slot receiver/Punt returner
i broke down that incredible Josh Allen to Emmanuel Sanders touchdown pic.twitter.com/DJLdMwiQgV — Mike Camerlengo (@MCamerlengo) September 26, 2021
The truth here is that Tony Pollard is in the last year of his contract and Ezekiel Elliott is showing possible signs of being on the decline. It would be best to bring in a complementary veteran running back with little threads on tires who can make an impact when needed.
That possible RB could be former Los Angeles Charger Justin Jackson who’s coming off a career-high 364 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Averaging over 5.4 yards per carry, and could be a presence as an extra receiver for Dak. Furthermore, Jackson’s versatility and shifty run style would be a perfect fit for this offense.
Potential role-RB 3 with receiver presence
SIGN JUSTIN JACKSON pic.twitter.com/0tJBFsgtjg — Jason Aponte (@JasonAponte2103) March 17, 2022
Yes, the Cowboys double-dipped at the linebacker positions in the 2022 NFL draft, but both picks were day three additions. Damone Clark is most likely taking a redshirt year after having spinal infusion surgery in late March. As for sixth-round pick Devin Harper, he will most likely be a special teams player in year one. Besides Leighton Vander Esch and Jabril Cox who have injury concerns, there’s very little depth at the linebacker position. You can add Micah Parsons as linebacker/edge rusher but there’s still a need at the linebacker position. Adding a younger veteran presence to the linebacker room would be beneficial.
That young vet presence could be 28-year-old Nick Kwiatkoski who was on a solid start for the Las Vegas Raiders. He started with 20 total tackles (12 solo tackles ) until he was placed on injured reserve due to a nagging ankle injury. In mid-March, he was released by the Raiders still looking for a potential suitor.
The Cowboys could be it and if you know Stephen Jones, he loves to sign players who can make a potential impact with injury history for the low. Nevertheless, when Kwiatkoski is healthy he makes his impact by breaking out to cover tight ends. His ability to deflect catches or limit the near receiver from making an impact is a big selling point. Also, he brings the solid ability of stopping the run and bringing veteran leadership to this young defense.
Potential role- Starting inside linebacker with coverage ability
Nick Kwiatkoski being healthy has changed this defense.. This Huge hit by him on the blocker set the tone for the second half. #Raiders pic.twitter.com/Xcuuic4JhI — Sanjit T. (@Sanjit__T) October 12, 2020
Which position should the Cowboys target in free agency? Comment below and join the discussion!
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