Future Hall of Famer Calais Campbell could fill glaring gap on Cowboys defense
The Dallas Cowboys are a team that nobody in the NFL ever wants to face due to their star-stubbed offense and defense. But things could look different this fall when it comes to the Cowboys' defense after losing veterans Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong to the Washington Commanders in NFL free agency. Sure, sack monster […]
The Dallas Cowboys are a team that nobody in the NFL ever wants to face due to their star-stubbed offense and defense.
But things could look different this fall when it comes to the Cowboys' defense after losing veterans Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong to the Washington Commanders in NFL free agency.
Sure, sack monster Micah Parson is still on the team but, realistically, he can't handle the dirty work alone.
The Cowboys also drafted rookies Marshawn Kneeland and Sam Williams, however, the chances of either of them making a big impact in Year 1 are slim to none.
Cowboys Could Use Some Extra Veteran Depth on the Defensive Line
And that's why Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team believes the Cowboys should sign free agent veteran and future Hall of Famer Calais Campbell to bolster their edge room.
"The Dallas Cowboys lost several vital defensive linemen in free agency, including Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler and Neville Gallimore," Mosher writes. "The most significant loss was Johnathan Hankins, who signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
"While few quality defensive linemen are on the market, Calais Campbell makes a ton of sense for Dallas. Campbell isn’t a nose tackle, but his ability to play defensive tackle and base end would be ideal for Mike Zimmer’s defense. Dallas lacks depth at edge rusher and defensive tackle, and Campbell would help fill the gaps."
Mosher notes that Campbell isn't as young as he once was, thus his ability to get after the quarterback isn't as scary as it used to be, but that works out for the Cowboys who need more help stopping the run game.
"At this stage of his career, he is a better run defender than a pass rusher, but the Cowboys need the most help there," Mosher writes. "Campbell will turn 38 this season, and whatever team signs him must be mindful of his snap counts. But he would fit well for Dallas, giving the team 15-20 quality snaps a game across the defensive line."
Campbell may be en route to retirement, however, his age didn't stop him from starting all 17 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 while recording 6.5 sacks, 56 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 42 QB pressures along the way. He beat out plenty of youngsters across the league with those stats.
If the Cowboys make the mover, Campbell's veteran addition to the defense would do more good than harm.
