Cowboys Urged to Target Projected $81 Million Behemoth DL
Cowboys Urged to Target Projected $81 Million Behemoth DL
The Dallas Cowboys defense was impressive throughout the regular season,
ranking sixth in both points and yards allowed to opposing offenses.
However, a closer inspection revealed that the Cowboys defense had significant problems,
which would surface when the playoffs arrived.
Bleacher Report believes that Cowboys free agency will help to address these issues.
The team’s inability to put an end to the running game is at the top of the list.
Though the Cowboys had a high overall rushing defense rating of 70.3 from Pro Football Focus,
the run defense was pushed around far too often this season.
In games in which the Cowboys kept opponents under 100 yards rushing,
they were 6-1. In 100-plus-yard rushing games, the Cowboys were just 6-5.
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.
That’s where B/R steps in with a big suggestion—a very significant one.
Will the Dolphins let Christian Wilkins walk?
This is based on the assumption that the Dolphins will not utilize the franchise tag on Wilkins,
as PFF predicts they would, keeping him 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’ expected market value,
which Spotrac projects at $20.2 million per years (the site has Wilkins getting a four-year, $81 million new deal).
To make such a trade possible, the Cowboys would need to cut some corners.
They will begin the summer with almost $11 million over the cap.
They’re also considering big deal extensions for three key players: quarterback Dak Prescott,
wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and pass rusher Micah Parsons.
Making Wilkins a priority will be difficult for Dallas,
but revamping the defense and toughening up against the run will be critical this offseason.
Cowboys Free Agency Must Address Issues.
The growth of Mazi Smith, the Cowboys’ first-round draft pick in 2023,
might have a significant impact on the team’s potential to upgrade the defensive line next season.
Smith improved over the season, but he only played four snaps in the loss to the Packers,
a clear indication he does not have the coaching staff’s confidence.
Wilkins is a surer option.
“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.”
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