Dallas Cowboys: Linebacker need increases as Thomas signs with Texans
The Dallas Cowboys' lack of activity in early free agency shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Their front office is well-known for being focused on the NFL Draft and for paying their own talent. After making Dak Prescott one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, those expectations didn't change this year. What might've […]
The Dallas Cowboys' lack of activity in early free agency shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Their front office is well-known for being focused on the NFL Draft and for paying their own talent. After making Dak Prescott one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, those expectations didn't change this year. What might've come as a surprise, though, is Joe Thomas' departure from the team.
Thomas, a six-year veteran linebacker, had become an important piece of the Dallas Cowboys defense. In fact, he played in 37% of the defensive snaps in 2020, the third-highest rate among the team's linebackers.
That might not seem like much of a compliment, but for the Cowboys, he's been very important. Consider the fact that Leighton Vander Esch and Sean Lee have combined for 20 missed games since 2019. The Cowboys have needed Thomas to fill in oftentimes and usually, he's responded in a respectable fashion.
Although the fact that Thomas is leaving the Cowboys isn't shocking, it was surprising to see him go to the Houston Texans for only $2 million. With close to $20M available in the salary cap, it didn't seem like that high of a price tag for Thomas.
Now, granted, Joe Thomas isn't going to be the difference-maker in the Cowboys' quest to turn the defense around. Although he was a good player to have at hand, he wasn't going to compete with Jaylon Smith and Vander Esch for a starting position.
However, the Dallas Cowboys' need at linebacker can't be overlooked. Sure, the team might need more help in the defensive backfield, but they're very thin at linebacker. Vander Esch and Smith have proven they're not the same duo we thought they'd be in 2018.
In fact, Smith's play in 2020 has put him in the "cap casualty" conversation. With Thomas out of the picture and Prescott under a long-term deal by now, Smith is apparently off the hook for now. But he'll have to step it up if he wants to play out his contract with the Cowboys beyond 2021.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys have to make a decision regarding Leighton Vander Esch's fifth-year option by May 4th. Vander Esch has missed 13 games in the past two seasons and given pre-draft concerns, it might impact the Cowboys' decision regarding his future with the franchise.
Although there are some big names at linebacker in free agency, it's unlikely the Dallas Cowboys get in a bidding war for players like Kwon Alexander and Kyle Van Noy. The team might be forced to wait until the NFL Draft to address the position. While Micah Parsons is an intriguing first-round prospect at 10th overall, it'll be tough to pass on other positions.
But at some point this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys need to reinforce the position. Because as much as we talk about the need for a cornerback, a safety, and even a potential Tyron Smith replacement, we often overlook the need for depth at linebacker.
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Featured Image Via Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
