Like many teams around the league, the Cowboys sent a strong message in free agency. However, they did not add a large number of players or keep most of their own players. What is clear for the Cowboys is that they are willing to give opportunities to the young players on the team.
There are a number of players on this roster who are still on their rookie contracts but have yet to have a breakout season. Maybe this year too? The Cowboys can only hope, especially considering they only signed one player in free agency (Eric Kendricks) and only have six picks in the NFL Draft later this month.
Therefore, the Cowboys will have to rely on some past draft and free agent signings to fill out this roster.
Today we continue our series with safety Juanyeh Thomas.
- name: fannie thomas
- position: safety
- experience: 3rd Year
- Games played/started: 16/1
- Remaining years of contract: 1
- how to get: UDFA 2022 (Georgia Tech)
- Key statistics: All three of his special teams tackles came in the final two games of the 2023 season.
past: The Cowboys have had a lot of success finding talent in the undrafted free agent market over the years. Thomas is another example, and he was able to join the Cowboys even though they were in a pretty safe position. During his first two years with the team, Thomas had to compete for playing time with starters Malik Hooker, Jaylon Kearse and Donovan Wilson, as well as Israel Mukuamu and Marquez Bell. Still, Thomas has played a role on both defense and special teams. He made his first significant play of the 2023 season in Week 1 against the Giants when he blocked a field goal attempt and the ball was returned by Noah Igbinoghene for a touchdown. Throughout the year, Thomas saw increased opportunities to play on defense and special teams.
the current: Despite being expected to lose Kearse, who remains unsigned in free agency, there is still plenty of experience at the safety position. It's unlikely he will return to the Cowboys next year. This opens up another spot for physical safety to play closer to the line of scrimmage. Additionally, Thomas is a unique player who not only has excellent safety skills but also has a history of returning kicks. This combination of tackling ability and speed usually makes for a good special teams player. And with new kickoff rules in place, players like Thomas will be expected to contribute on both the kickoff return and coverage teams.
future: This is the final year of Thomas' contract, as he will become a restricted free agent after this season. While competing with other experienced safeties on the roster, Thomas gets enough reps to show what he's capable of in preseason games, whether it's for a new contract with the Cowboys or another team. There is a need to. However, this is going to be a big season for him, and considering he has continued to show improvement in each of his first two seasons, this could be a breakout season for Thomas, who could use his playmaking ability to help the Cowboys. may end up keeping him on the field. .
