Why Cowboys should target DL Akiem Hicks in free agency
The Dallas Cowboys have added only two external free agents this offseason. Following their long-time team-building strategy, they've focused their efforts on re-signing their own. The two new faces are arriving in Dallas on low-risk, one-year deals that won't take up plenty of cap space. After a few quiet days for the Cowboys, we're left […]
The Dallas Cowboys have added only two external free agents this offseason. Following their long-time team-building strategy, they've focused their efforts on re-signing their own.
The two new faces are arriving in Dallas on low-risk, one-year deals that won't take up plenty of cap space.
After a few quiet days for the Cowboys, we're left wondering, who could be the next free agency addition? Although big names like Bobby Wagner and Tyrann Mathieu dominate the headlines, it would be a surprise if the Cowboys shy away from their way of doing things to actually sign one of them.
Having said that, there is one defensive free agent that comes to mind that fits the Cowboys' offseason approach. Although he's very well-known around the league, circumstances could put him on the radar of the front office.
Let's dive in.
Defensive Tackle Akiem Hicks
Ranked as the 32nd best free agent of the year by The Athletic and the 8th best currently available, Hicks would fit into the Cowboys' defense right away. Although he's been in the league since 2012 and has 138 career games under his belt, the former Chicago Bear could be an inexpensive option.
Hicks is 32-years-old and has missed 20 games over the past three seasons, which will likely punish his market value enough for him to be in the Cowboys' range. Right now, PFF projects the veteran tackle to sign for $8.5M per year.
Defensive tackle is not the deepest position in the Cowboys' roster, but they do have serviceable players in the rotation. Neville Gallimore, Osa Odighizuwa, Quinton Bohanna, Trysten Hill, Carlos Watkins, and Austin Faoliu make up the DT room as of today.
Re-signing Watkins to a one-year deal was an important move for the Cowboys given how he fit played one-technique on Dan Quinn's defense last year. Since Watkins was signed to a veteran salary benefit contract and will account for less than $1M in the salary cap, it shouldn't keep Dallas from adding talent to the defensive line.
Hicks also provides versatility and could play three-technique if needed as he has before in Chicago.
Featured image via Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
