Dallas Cowboys projected to target massive 6-foot-4 AFC emerging defensive star in free agency

Dallas Cowboys projected to target massive 6-foot-4 AFC emerging defensive star in free agency

The Dallas Cowboys have numerous offseason moves to contemplate while still trying to recruit new players so

they can eventually break through the postseason barrier and compete for the Lombardi Trophy.

One of the most important decisions Jerry Jones and company must make this offseason is whether to extend QB

Dak Prescott early in a move that would free up cap space,

trade or release him — which is highly unlikely given the dead money the team would be stuck with,

or keep him on his current contract, which isn’t ideal for a number of reasons.

Most likely, Jones will try to persuade Prescott to accept a team-friendly extension

that includes guaranteed money in the form of a signing bonus or

later in his contract to clear room for the salary cap in 2024.

Prescott’s current contract is projected to have a $59.4 million cap impact next season;

an extension is expected before the start of the March 13, 2024 business year. That has always been the plan.

The next step is to discuss extensions for the Dallas Cowboys’ other two biggest stars,

Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb, who are also reaching the end of their rookie contracts.

While it may be necessary to release significant stars like Michael Gallup, Brandin Cooks,

and possibly DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys

will still find creative ways to land new talent through the NFL Draft and free agency.

While Dallas finished with the league’s No. 5 defense in 2023,

the Cowboys struggled against the run and are almost guaranteed to

lose defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who is slated to pursue a head coaching position in 2024.

According to Bleacher Report, Jerry Jones and company might realistically pursue a defensive target in free agency.

Dallas Cowboys Urged To Target Miami Dolphins’ Free Agent DL Christian Wilkins

The Dallas defense ranked 16th in running yards and 15th in yards per attempt allowed.

The Cowboys allowed an average of 193 running yards per game in

their three previous defeats to great opponents. For example,

the Arizona Cardinals, the NFL’s weakest run defense, allowed 143.2 rushing yards per game.

In other words, the Cowboys’ main issue heading into the offseason is a dearth of effective run-stoppers.

They have committed to the best defensive lineman available in 2024 by signing Chiefs All-Pro Chris Jones,

but there could be a cheaper and more efficient option.

A recent Bleacher Report article offered a possible method

for the Dallas Cowboys to significantly improve their run defense,

which, according to a deep dive into the data this season, would result in more victories.

The Cowboys were 6-1 when they limited opponents to less than 100 yards rushing.

The Cowboys had a 6-5 record in games with 100 or more yards rushing.

That includes the 143 yards Dallas gave up to Green Bay in the divisional playoff loss.

The Cowboys went 0-4 when they allowed more than 140 yards on the ground.

This is where the Miami Dolphins’ 6-foot-4, 310-pound defensive tackle Christian Wilkins comes in.

Here’s what B/R stated regarding the Dallas Cowboys potentially pursuing Wilkins this offseason.

Wilkins, who turned 28 in December, has established himself as one of

the league’s best run-stopping defensive lineman.

He’s also coming off a stellar year as a pass rusher,

in which he recorded nine sacks, 65 tackles, and 10 tackles for loss.

He contributed significantly to Miami’s sixth-place position in yards per carry allowed, according to B/R this week.

“Dallas needs to improve its run defense up front, and it’s unclear how much of a second-year jump Smith can make.

It’s also worth mentioning that defensive linemen Neville Gallimore,

Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler Jr. are set to enter the market in March.”

The Cowboys would have to hope the Dolphins do not use the franchise tag on Wilkins,

as PFF predicts they would, keeping him in place for another year at $19.75 million.

That’s a significant increase from the $10.7 million Wilkins earned

last season as the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.

It is also close to Wilkins’ anticipated market value, which Spotrac predicts at $20.2 million per year.

The Dallas Cowboys would have to cut some corners to make a deal like that happen and land Christian Wilkins,

but there have already been a number of forecasts on how Jerry Jones and the team’s brass can free up space to make a big move or two in free agency.

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