3 Cowboys defenders likely to follow Dan Quinn if he leaves Dallas
3 Cowboys defenders likely to follow Dan Quinn if he leaves Dallas
Dan Quinn, the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys, has become a local celebrity in Dallas throughout the last three seasons. In practically an instant,
the former Super Bowl head coach turned Mike Nolan’s young defense into one of the finest in the league.
It was thought to be impossible to lead the NFL in turnovers for two straight seasons, but Quinn succeeded in 2021 and 2022. He was successful in luring
seasoned players into spot duty. Dallas signed young players to reasonable contracts. Quinn had startling success repositioning players into new roles and
places. Because of his skill in Dallas, he is highly regarded throughout the NFL. Every off season, his name appears on lists of prospective head coaches, and
the Cowboys consider themselves fortunate to have kept him around each season.
That might change in 2024.
Upheaval is expected following the Cowboys’ 48-32 loss to the Packers in the wild card round of the playoffs. Dallas was humiliated at home and Quinn’s
defense played a significant role in that loss. He’s already been linked to vacancies around the NFL and given his tenuous status in Dallas, may see 2024 as
the perfect time to jump ship.
But Quinn is a player’s coach. His guys love him and based on the players who’ve come to Dallas to work with him over the years, his players also follow
him. So, if/when Quinn leaves the Cowboys, who can be expected to follow him out of town?
Fowler came to Dallas to play with Quinn, and he’ll probably go back to play with Quinn if given the chance. One of the Cowboys’ best
pass rushers in Quinn’s DE rotation is the former No. 3 overall choice of the Jaguars.
Set to hit free agency this offseason, the 29-year-old Fowler is free to pursue opportunities making him a likely loss this offseason. Given his history with
Quinn and relatively low pay demands, he’s likely to wait to see what opportunities Quinn finds.
Jourdan Lewis is one of Quinn’s favorite players on the Cowboys roster. Quinn has repeatedly discussed Lewis unprompted and regards Lewis as one of his
smartest and toughest players on his defense.
At 28, Lewis still has good football ahead of him. He bounced back from a career threatening injury in 2022 and was playing some of his best ball in years,
before Dallas’ season came to an abrupt end.
In 2024, the Cowboys will have to make some hard decisions because contracts are coming up and players will be demanding high compensation. Lewis’
replacement by a player on a rookie contract may not be the best option, but it is a wise financial move.
Lewis is a culture vulture, which is especially valuable for a coach looking to leave a lasting impression on the locker room.
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