Why Cowboys need to ignore latest NFL news
One of the best linebackers in the NFL wants a new home. A few days after the Dallas Cowboys signed LB Anthony Barr, should America's Team bolster up the position group by seeking the disgruntled star? We're talking about Roquan Smith, who not long ago was on Cowboys Nation's NFL Draft radar. On Tuesday morning, […]
One of the best linebackers in the NFL wants a new home. A few days after the Dallas Cowboys signed LB Anthony Barr, should America's Team bolster up the position group by seeking the disgruntled star?
We're talking about Roquan Smith, who not long ago was on Cowboys Nation's NFL Draft radar. On Tuesday morning, Smith took to social media to officially request a trade as he believes Chicago hasn't negotiated in good faith.
Listen, it's always a good idea to seek upgrades across your entire defense. Especially when, as the Cowboys are doing now, you're preaching about having a defensive identity as a football team.
Building up what's already a strength is never a bad idea in the NFL.
However, I'd argue that right now, trading for Roquan Smith shouldn't be high on the Cowboys' priority list. Beyond the draft capital that it would require to land one of the best defenders in the business, he's aiming to become the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL.
While some teams like the L.A. Rams and New Orleans Saints have been pretty innovative in the way they approach the salary cap, the truth is the Cowboys haven't. In fact, plenty of their decision-making this offseason has been based on the financials of players instead of their performance (see: Amari Cooper, La'el Collins).
When you think about it, much of the work done this offseason can be looked at as a "setting up" process to be ready for what's ahead for Dallas in 2024-2025. While plenty of things are uncertain in Dallas' future as a franchise, here are a few names that will likely require long-term extensions:
- WR CeeDee Lamb
- LB Micah Parsons
- CB Trevon Diggs
There are others, but I'll stick with the Big 3 right there. I won't even mention Dak Prescott's second deal for now, but keep that one in mind as well.
I would be perfectly fine with Dallas sitting this one out, even if Cowboys Nation is always banging the table for the latest available star. Tying so much of the salary cap at linebacker could complicate matters down the road when the team wants to secure their foundational players both on offense and defense.
As for the 2022 season, the Cowboys arguably have a solid group at linebacker. The main concern surrounding the unit was depth, but the Barr signing likely solves that issue. Especially considering Dan Quinn's defense will feature two-linebacker sets and plenty of three-safety looks with Jayron Kearse's hybrid role near the line of scrimmage.
Featured image via Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
