Dallas Cowboys come to terms with in-house free agent pass rusher
It was reported earlier that the Dallas Cowboys were finalizing details to retain one of their own. One they couldn't afford to lose out on after the Randy Gregory debacle. The good news, it didn't take too long. As reported, the Cowboys and edge rusher Dorance Armstrong Jr. have agreed to terms on a two-year, […]
It was reported earlier that the Dallas Cowboys were finalizing details to retain one of their own. One they couldn't afford to lose out on after the Randy Gregory debacle.
The good news, it didn't take too long. As reported, the Cowboys and edge rusher Dorance Armstrong Jr. have agreed to terms on a two-year, $13 million contract.
It's a great value for Armstrong, who had been estimated to potentially earn around $4 million per season. Now, he's secure for the next two seasons, with his arrow pointing up following a promising 2021 campaign season.
Armstrong is coming off a career-best season. He set career-highs in sacks (5.0), tackles for loss (3.0) and total pressures (22). Considering where the Cowboys currently stand with edge rushers, this is a great deal.
Not only has Armstrong become one of the Dallas Cowboys better defensive linemen, he's become an enormous asset on special teams as well. Playing 84 special teams snaps on 2021, leaving an impact as a play-maker.
This deal doesn't come as a shock, given how favorable Armstrong is to owner Jerry Jones. The owner has declared his admiration for the pass rusher and his development over time with the team.
​​”I’ve liked (Dorance) Armstrong," said Jones. "I think he’s absolutely… the trick is as a young player to get as much out of every day, every rep you can. He’s really impressed me.”
It remains to be seen who else the Dallas Cowboys will add on the edges, but it looks likely that Armstrong will pair with DeMarcus Lawrence. Meaning Armstrong will primarily be lined up on the right side.
Where they go from here, is unknown. But it is a welcomed sigh of relief to retain one of the organizations better unrestricted free agents that's no longer on the market. Given the value of the defensive end position, this is a win across the board.
Featured image via Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
