Cowboys hedge their bets by signing much-needed free agent
The Dallas Cowboys signed a free agent on Tuesday but not the one fans have been thinking about since the offseason. No, the Odell Beckham Jr. saga continues at a frustrating pace. However, this signing could prove to be even more important as it helps the Cowboys in a position of true need. After losing […]
The Dallas Cowboys signed a free agent on Tuesday but not the one fans have been thinking about since the offseason. No, the Odell Beckham Jr. saga continues at a frustrating pace.
However, this signing could prove to be even more important as it helps the Cowboys in a position of true need. After losing Anthony Brown for the season, they're signing veteran cornerback Mackensie Alexander per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Alexander is a former second-round draft pick (2016) out of Clemson University. He played for the Minnesota Vikings (and George Edwards, now a Cowboys assistant) for four years. He's also been with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins waived him on September 1st as the cornerback had to undergo groin surgery.
While it's a practice squad signing, current NFL rules allow him to contribute right away as he can be elevated to the gameday roster.
The roster move provides the Cowboys with some much-needed flexibility as they face a very pressing question at cornerback. How to replace Anthony Brown?
Most likely, their initial bet will be to replace the veteran with their own guys.
The Cowboys could replace him on the outside with Kelvin Joseph or even move DaRon Bland from nickel cornerback to the boundary. Expect three-safety sets to be a big part of the conversation or maybe even versatile defensive back Israel Mukuamu.
Every possibility has its pros and cons but adding Mackensie Alexander gives them options and depth.
Since 2017, Alexander has specialized as a slot cornerback. Meanwhile, Mike McCarthy told the media that practice squad member Kendall Sheffield has zeroed in on outside cornerback since his arrival.
If anything you've got to respect the Cowboys for making an outside hire instead of sticking with their conservative approach of sticking with their younger guys.
Featured image via Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
