Dallas Cowboys: 3 Low-priced free agents to help the defense
The Dallas Cowboys have approximately $20M available in this year's salary cap. Whether or not they decide to target high-caliber free agents remains to be seen, but the expectation among many fans and analysts is they'll play it conservatively. However, the Cowboys could still target potential difference-makers ahead of the 2021 NFL season. Here are […]
The Dallas Cowboys have approximately $20M available in this year's salary cap. Whether or not they decide to target high-caliber free agents remains to be seen, but the expectation among many fans and analysts is they'll play it conservatively.
However, the Cowboys could still target potential difference-makers ahead of the 2021 NFL season. Here are three defensive free agents who could sign with the Dallas Cowboys at a low price.
CB Shaquill Griffin
In his first four seasons in the NFL, Griffin has proven to be a true starter. In fact, after being selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Griffin played in 80% of the defensive snaps as a rookie. Through four seasons, Griffin has consistently shown up in coverage deflecting 48 passes in his career.
Although he racked up three interceptions in 2020, Griffin's play dropped off last season due in part to injuries. But he's been consistent in coverage, even earning a 76.0 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2019.
The Seahawks chose not to use the franchise tag on Griffin, which could mean he'll be available once the market opens in the following days. Although some project Griffin to be close to the $15M annual average salary, cornerbacks like Richard Sherman could push his value down to $10M per year.
If so, the Dallas Cowboys should consider making a bet on the 25-year-old cornerback.
S Malik Hooker
It's a shame that in his first four seasons, Hooker has missed 28 games with the Indianapolis Colts. Injuries have limited what was expected to be a very promising career for the former Ohio State Buckeye.
Consider Daniel Jeremiah's draft evaluation back in 2017:
"He has the best ball skills of any safety I've ever evaluated in college. He is also a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Against the run, he is quick to key, read and fill the alley. He does have some fly-by missed tackles, but overall he's reliable in this area. Hooker has the potential to be one of the league's best safeties very early in his NFL career."
Availability is the best ability in the NFL, which will drive Hooker's price in free agency. If he remains healthy for whichever team that decides to pick him up, Hooker will likely prove to be one of the biggest free agency bargains of the year.
The Dallas Cowboys desperately need help at safety. And there are enough options in free agency to try and fix the position before the NFL Draft. Dan Quinn's defense will need a solid free safety to succeed, and Hooker can be that guy.
CB Desmond King
King might not be able to fix the Cowboys' secondary, but he can be a start. The Cowboys need to realize they don't only need starters but they need depth. After Trevon Diggs, who knows what the depth chart at cornerback will look like in Dallas? King has the potential to get back to his play of the first two seasons when he was graded one of the league's best cornerbacks in the league and earned All-Pro honors.
His play has declined in the past two years, though. However, he's still a solid slot cornerback who could help the Dallas Cowboys for a low price in free agency. According to PFF's contract predictions, King could sign for as little as $6M per year.
Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
