Why Dallas Cowboys should re-sign CB Chidobe Awuzie
When the Dallas Cowboys drafted Chidobe Awuzie in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, they expected to land a cornerback that would work in the long run. However, now that he's about to hit free agency, his future couldn't be more uncertain. Among the many takeaways from a disappointing Cowboys season in 2020, […]
When the Dallas Cowboys drafted Chidobe Awuzie in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, they expected to land a cornerback that would work in the long run. However, now that he's about to hit free agency, his future couldn't be more uncertain.
Among the many takeaways from a disappointing Cowboys season in 2020, is the fact that the team desperately needs to upgrade the defense. Specifically, the secondary. Right now, the only reliable answer at cornerback, in the long run, seems to be Trevon Diggs.
Although many are ready to move on from Awuzie, the Cowboys might be better off re-signing the 25-year-old cornerback.
After all, Chidobe Awuzie has landed in the "average" zone over his four-year career in the NFL. Lining up wide most of the time, Awuzie had a strong 2017 and 2019, grading inside Pro Football Focus' Top 25 cornerbacks. At the very least, the Cowboys know they're getting a guy who can actually play on Sundays.
With Dan Quinn coming on board, Awuzie might benefit from playing zone in Cover 3 constantly. According to Pro Football Focus, this is where Chidobe's done his best work:
"He’s done his best work in zone coverage, ranking in the 61st percentile in PFF grade, but he’s in just the 35th percentile in single coverage."
Re-signing Awuzie wouldn't be about solving the cornerback position, but it'd serve as insurance. While we can look at mock drafts and hope for the Cowboys to land Patrick Surtain II or Caleb Fairley with the 10th overall pick, there's no telling how the draft board will look like when they're on the clock. Not to mention, NFL teams aim to draft the best player available and avoid making "need" picks.
Awuzie doesn't give you the player you want starting alongside Trevon Diggs, but he does give you an experienced veteran who's proven to be capable of playing on Sundays.
When the time comes, Chidobe Awuzie will likely test the waters in free agency. If his price tag proves to be manageable, the Cowboys would be smart to re-sign him. It'll be interesting to see how the market values Awuzie's skills. While PFF predicts a three-year deal averaging $9M per year, his value could be closer to the $5M mark.
The Dallas Cowboys' cornerback room is depleted. And drafting a cornerback in the first round won't change that fact. Behind Diggs and a supposed first-rounder, who's left? Jourdan Lewis (set to hit free agency), Anthony Brown, and… That's basically it. Reggie Robinson might prove to be a wildcard after not getting a chance to play in 2020. But this team doesn't have a strong CB room.
Re-signing Chidobe Awuzie doesn't change that either, but it'd help.
Featured Image Via Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
