Potential replacement for Cowboys safeties seen as fit with team
The Cowboys got much-improved play from the safety position in 2021. Jayron Kearse, who reportedly began contract negotiations with the Cowboys, led the team in tackles. Also, Malik Hooker came on at the end of the season, but he's also a free agent. In addition to Kearse and Hooker, Damontae Kazee will test the open […]
The Cowboys got much-improved play from the safety position in 2021. Jayron Kearse, who reportedly began contract negotiations with the Cowboys, led the team in tackles. Also, Malik Hooker came on at the end of the season, but he's also a free agent.
In addition to Kearse and Hooker, Damontae Kazee will test the open market as well, leaving the Cowboys very thin at safety at the moment outside of Donovan Wilson. Pro Football Focus recently named free agent fits for each NFL team, and safety Duron Harmon landed with the Cowboys.
Per PFF:
"The Cowboys will once again be in the market for a safety, and will likely look in the value section as they navigate one of the trickier salary-cap situations in the NFL. Harmon's physical skills and playmaking ability are on the decline at this stage of his career, but he showed this past season in Atlanta that he could still be a consistent coverage defender who limits big mistakes on the back end. Dan Quinn's defense also projects as one of the better scheme fits for Harmon, given how the safety has been utilized throughout much of his career."
Harmon is entering his 10th season so he won't cost much which matches the frugal spending habits of Stephen Jones, and although the Cowboys have made some moves opening up cap space, that's the likely path the organization will take. Harmon has started in all 33 regular-season games over the last two years and logged 140 tackles, four interceptions, and 10 passes defended.
If the Cowboys were to make this move it wouldn't move the needle so to speak. However, the Cowboys do need depth at safety, and snagging another one in free agency, that's if Kearse gets retained, would be wise and they can grab another in the NFL draft next month.
Feature image via Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
