The Dallas Cowboys have done an excellent job of turning their defense around under coordinator Dan Quinn, leading the NFL in turnovers in back-to-back seasons. There is one flaw that they have, though, and that's at defensive tackle.

Dallas has built a reputation for being one of the better drafting teams in the NFL. However, if the Cowboys want to take the next step, adding premium talent in free agency needs to be a priority as well.

Speaking of free agency, defensive tackle Daron Payne, who has spent his entire five-year career with the Washington Commanders, is set to hit the open market. Pro Football Focus feels if he isn't brought back, the best place to continue his career is with the Cowboys.

Jonathon Macri on why Payne is a fit with the Cowboys:

Payne is coming off a career year after posting his highest pressure (49) and sack totals (11.5) in five NFL seasons. The franchise tag is still a possibility for the former first-round pick, but assuming he walks in free agency, the Cowboys could fill a significant need by adding him to the roster.

Dallas’ interior defensive line, outside of Osa Odighizuwa, was relatively ineffective this season, ranking 28th in overall grade as a unit (48.1) while generating just five sacks (27th) — four of which came from Odighizuwa — and 64 total pressures (29th). With Odighizuwa on his rookie contract until the end of the 2024 season, paying for Payne's production isn’t out of the realm of possibilities for the Cowboys as they seek to fill the one hole in an excellent pass-rush unit.

Payne has never played fewer than 750 defensive snaps in his NFL career, which is more than any Cowboys interior defensive lineman has played in each of the past three seasons, making his reliability and availability another key trait to consider.

Of course, when it comes to the Cowboys and their usual bargain basement spending habits in free agency, it all depends on what Payne's asking price is. However, Payne would provide an inside presence that can pressure the quarterback and help against the run, something the Cowboys have struggled with at times.

The Cowboys have guys that can get pressure from the edge with players like All-Pro Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Sam Williams. But getting a guy like Payne to mix in with Odighizuwa, Neville Gallimore, Chauncey Golston, and Quinton Bohanna would give the Cowboys a solid presence on the interior, which could lead to more production on the edge when it comes to bringing opposing quarterbacks down.

Scared money doesn't money, so if Payne hits the market, the Cowboys need to make a call.

Feature image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports