NFL
By: Greg Rector
Well since 2020 has already been such a bizarre year. Jerry and Stephen decided to get involved in the free-agent market for a change, they didn’t wait for just the bargain basement guys.
Several guys departed Quinn, Collins, Witten, Fleming, Heath, etc… So the Jones went to work to address some needs. The biggest need for me going into 2020 was the interior defensive line and the Cowboys added Gerald McCoy, and Dontari Poe, both ex of the Carolina Panthers. Of course the Twitterverse of “fanatics,” wasn’t happy. “They sucked against the run.” The Panthers D was near the bottom of the league.” Blah blah blah. These guys all didn’t bother with the fact the Panthers switched to a 3-4 defense, which found both players out of position. Guess why they wanted to come to Dallas? The Cowboys play a 4-3 scheme, and Poe and McCoy, both made Pro Bowls in that scheme.
Ha Ha Clinton Dix – SS This signing brings Dix back to play for his first head coach Mike McCarthy. It’s only a 1-year deal because Dix wants to try to leverage what he hopes will be a good season into a long-term deal in 2021 when the salary cap is expected to reach well over $200 million. That means he will be motivated. I like this signing a lot, as he will be a veteran leader for a young secondary. Dix will also be far more aggressive-looking to cause turnovers. As everyone who reads my stuff knows that’s something I love, as does new Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan.
The Cowboys also signed a very good special teams player who can also develop into a solid nickel scheme corner in Maurice Canady, who was briefly a Jet, and before that the Ravens.
Re-signing most of their own free agents as well, mostly on very good terms for both sides. The two most important players returning are LB’s Joe Thomas, and Justin March. Thomas by many accounts could start on plenty of teams. Well with the one re-signing I didn’t like (Sean Lee) he may just need to do that. Both may see more playing time than many expect if Leighton Vander Esche, doesn’t return to his 2018 form.
Up next will be my Mock 2.0 7 round draft before the April 23rd draft.
You can find me on Twitter @CowboysFanGreg1
