That's probably true, but the final decision, as Evans readily admits, will depend on how he progresses in practice this week in preparation for Monday night's crucial game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Look, it's going to be taken down by head coach Mike McCarthy.
“At the end of the day, it's all about the coach.” [decision] As for what they want to do schematically,” he added. “I try to take it as slowly as possible. When you go from on the couch to full-fledged football, it's always a preparatory situation. I'm trying to get back to work and actually enjoy the process of doing the little things leading up to the game. is.”
Evans, 27, is a two-time national champion and no stranger to getting the job done, starting 67 games over his first five seasons with the Cowboys. That includes setting career highs in combined tackles (159), solo tackles (86), pass breakups (4) and fumble recoveries.
When asked what the biggest quality he brings to Dallas, he was unambiguous.
“It's the physicality,” he said. “I don't say much about my plays, and I try to let what's shown on TV take its course, but I can't wait for that opportunity to come.”
On top of that, as mentioned above, it also gives him the opportunity to coach players like Damone Clark and Malik Jefferson, as well as Mikel Jones on the practice squad and even a lot of work as a linebacker in 2023. Even the designated safety, Marquise Bell, will be given a chance to coach.
“That's definitely [important, especially for the young guys,” said the former All-SEC talent. “I try to give them advice about my own career and about preparing for a game, and the standard that comes with the game. … Just have patience with yourself. As soon as I got into the facility, they were already asking, ‘Why were you out?’
“I told them, ‘That’s just the league, man. It’s a business at the end of the day, so make sure you’re prepared at all times.'”
It is a business indeed, as evidenced by the fact Evans began the month of September with the Philadelphia Eagles before being released — opting to then wait for the right opportunity to present itself before inking another deal. After choosing to part ways with his former agent and signing with new representation, he was met with a call from the Cowboys.
He couldn’t say yes fast enough.
“It means a lot for the Cowboys to see something in me and bring me onboard,” he said. “It’s an exciting moment for me. … It won’t take me too much [to get up to speed]. He's been training all season to be part of someone's team. And now that I have the opportunity to be a part of the Cowboys, I'll be ready whenever they're ready. ”
As Evans explained, his family's motivations also came into play.
“My mom loves the Cowboys, so it's funny to have the opportunity to play for them.” [them]my family loves [them] They are very excited for me to be a part of this organization. ”
This is not the first time the two sides have met.
In 2018, he and the Cowboys visited in preparation for that year's NFL Draft. The former first-team All-American was then selected by the Cowboys, who needed a linebacker, to select Leighton Vander Esch with the 19th overall pick, and three picks later, the Tennessee Titans decided to drop Evans with the 22nd overall pick. became.
Five years later, Evans is in Dallas to fill the void left by Vander Esch's injury.
“They were definitely one of the teams I wanted to play for, and it's pretty funny how things have turned around for me to now have the opportunity to play for the Cowboys.” ” Evans said. “…As soon as they called, I immediately got on that plane.”
As for what he witnessed from the confines of his home in Atlanta on Sunday night, Evans was not only hungry to get on the field to fix the Cowboys' defensive system, but he was also hungry for the team's 42 points. I don't believe in explosions. The 49ers are showing what Dallas' defense is really like.
“I still think this is an elite defense,” he said. “Anywhere I can fit in and help, that's why I'm here.”…I'm a representative. I like to do a lot of reps, so even if I'm not preparing for another game, I want to go out and do a lot of reps and get a feel for the game and get back into the game. I am. football groove. I'm running out of time and would like to get the pads on as soon as possible. Get a feel for making tackles, get a feel for being in zone coverage, do all the things you normally do as a soccer player. ”
He'll get more of a taste of the Cowboys' practice on Friday, but since the next game isn't played until Monday, this week will be treated as a Thursday, but he wonders if he'll need a long preparation period before suiting up. For those who are. For regular season games, the answer is simple.
“I have a lot of confidence in myself,” he said. “I've played so much in the league that I knew whenever I was picked up to play, I'd be ready.”
The jury is still out on whether that will be tested against the Chargers, but given what he brings to the table, it's certainly possible the Cowboys let him dine in Los Angeles. If not, there will be a bye week after that and he will be looking to make his Dallas debut when Los Angeles' opponents visit AT&T Stadium in Week 8.
The Cowboys' linebacker corps couldn't be more excited about the addition of Evans, and the feeling is definitely mutual.
