Shock: Free agency craters Dallas' D-line depth – Patrick Walker, DallasCowboys.com
The current players on the Cowboys' defensive line will need to step up in 2024, regardless of what happens in the draft or free agency.
It remains to be seen whether the unit will have any additions in free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft, but the demands on players like Maggismith, Chauncey Golston, Sam Williams, Jr. will remain the same. Fehoko, as well as players on the edges of the roster like Darrell Johnson and Carl Davis, will likely struggle to maintain their spots on the roster throughout the summer.
Smith, the team's first-round pick in 2023, has the talent and strength to be a dominant force at nose tackle, but his loss in weight and slow start-up as a rookie have hindered his performance. The following will be of paramount importance: Smith, without Hankins, will execute a 180-degree turn under the guidance of Mike Zimmer. The run defense pretty much relies on that, with Gholston supporting Smith and Odighizuwa as both run defenders and pass rushers from inside.
Golston is in a contract year, which should give him extra motivation to perform, but there are many signs that the 26-year-old will be given a lot of opportunities, and he could compete with the departed veterans. He has shown on multiple occasions that he is no less a promising player. .
It will be a steeper hill for Fehoko to climb than Gholston considering Fehoko didn't earn anything as a rookie last season, but that won't be the case in his second year. , Fehoko has an unstoppable motor and simply needs to hone his technique, but it will be interesting to see if Zimmer sees him as a 3-tech (right of center) or edge support.
And then there's Sam Williams, whose path to more reps is clear with Fowler's departure. Williams' talent is as unique as it is offensive. He has proven to be more than capable of stopping the run, rushing the passer, and wreaking havoc on special teams, but needs to find a balance between aggressiveness and untimely penalties. there will be.
NFL Rumors: Eric Kendricks rejects big contract with 49ers to sign with Cowboys in free agency – Erin Walsh, Bleacher Report
Eric Kendricks, the only outside free agent the Cowboys have acquired thus far, may have taken a lighter contract to reunite with Mike Zimmer.
According to ESPN's Todd Archer, “Kendricks got less from the Cowboys than he got from the 49ers.”
Kendricks reportedly signed a one-year contract with Dallas worth up to $3.5 million. archer.
Kendricks initially agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers before signing with the Cowboys.
ESPN Adam Schefter Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said he wanted Kendricks to “help out on defense,” and the veteran linebacker “wanted to play in Dallas,” the report said.
According to Nick Eatman of the team's website, Kendricks explained his decision to join America's Team after putting pen to paper on a one-year contract.
“I felt like it was a really tough decision. (The 49ers) are a great organization and a great program that's run there. Ultimately, I wanted the opportunity to play against MIKE and bet on myself, especially me. He has a lot to prove at this point in his career. He's feeling really good and moving really well. Being able to play with Mike in this defense and the players in this defense is something he's going to miss out on. It was a chance I couldn't have done. I'm very happy with this decision.”
A second-round pick of the Vikings in 2015, Kendricks spent the first eight years of his career in Minnesota, with Zimmer serving as head coach for seven of those seasons.
“Cowboys fans are excited!” But are the odds in favor of Dallas winning the NFC East again? – Tim Hamm, Sports Illustrated
Despite the late start to free agency, the Cowboys are still likely to win the NFC East, according to BetOnline.ag.
NFL.com's latest power rankings were released on Wednesday, and it's true that the Cowboys have dropped down from the previous rankings released after the Super Bowl in February.
At the same time, the Cowboys remain the favorites to win the NFC East. BetOnline_ag …What is the probability?
Dallas Cowboys 11/10 (+110)
Philadelphia Eagles 13/10 (+130)
New York Giants 9/1 (+900)
Commander Washington 10/1 (+1000)
How could that be? What are critics (us included) missing? Maybe it starts with them still being a “top 10 team.”
What about the aforementioned NFL.com rankings? Kansas City, San Francisco, Baltimore, Detroit, and Buffalo occupy the 1st through 5th spots, respectively, and the top five teams remain unchanged, but the Cowboys, who were in 6th place in February, have fallen to 10th place.
No. 10 Dallas Cowboys – 2023 Record: 12 wins, 5 losses
“The Cowboys suffered significant losses early on, including two starting offensive linemen, a starting running back, two pass rushers who combined for nearly 700 snaps in 2023, and depth at other spots. Will Dallas be able to fill all of these holes through the draft alone, even though the team is currently set to pick late in most rounds? There is limited salary cap space available. So the Cowboys may need to add an inexpensive but smart veteran or two down the road.
“It should be easiest to fill a need at running back, even if there isn't a banner draft class at that position this year. Dallas will also need to address other holes this offseason. I can understand why some Cowboys fans are nervous.”
Dallas' “all-in” strategy saw them drop four spots from their previous rankings, while the feared Philadelphia Eagles jumped to No. 6 after an early offseason move.
Cowboys want to sign Stephon Gilmore, but cornerback is 'open' to Patriots – Mike Fisher, Sports Illustrated
A return to New England could be an alternative option for Cowboys free agent Stephon Gilmore.
In New England, Gilmore has been talked about as a mentor to second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez. And some of that same logic applies to Dallas, where starting corners Trevon Diggs and Daron Brand must have learned a lot from locker room leader Gilmore.
But at this point in his career, he has earned the right to make decisions on a “fight or contract” basis. In other words, he can chase the money if he wants. Or chase the ring. Or, ideally, both.
Gilmore is rehabbing from shoulder surgery and will be limited until training camp, so big offers may not be pouring in yet. But he's a good player and a good teammate…and New England could use a lot of both of them, both in Dallas and the team right now.
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