Cowboys urged to target projected $81 million behemoth DL
The numbers on the Dallas Cowboys defense were sparkly from the regular season, ranked fifth in both points and yardage allowed to opposing offenses.
But a deeper look would show that there were some issues within the Cowboys D, issues that would rear their heads when the playoffs came around.
And the folks at Bleacher Report are looking to Cowboys free agency to fix those issues.
Chief on the list is the team’s difficulty, at times, to stop the running game.
Though the Cowboys got a very good grade of 70.3 at Pro Football Focus as an overall rushing defense,
there were too many times this season that the run defense got pushed around.
In games in which the Cowboys held opponents below 100 yards rushing, they were 6-1. In 100-plus-yard rushing games, the Cowboys were just 6-5.
That includes the 143 yards Dallas allowed to Green Bay in the divisional playoff loss.
The Cowboys were 0-4 when allowing more than 140 yards on the ground.
This is where B/R enters the picture with a big, major recommendation.
The website is recommending that the Cowboys sign 6-foot-4, 310-pound monster Christian Wilkins as a free agent.
Will the Dolphins Let Christian Wilkins Walk?
Now, this is based on the premise that the Dolphins will not use the franchise tag on Wilkins, which PFF projects
they will do, keeping him in place for another year at $19.75 million.
That’s a big boost from the $10.7 million that Wilkins made last season, the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
It is also right around Wilkins’ predicted market value, which Spotrac projects at $20.2 million per years (the site has Wilkins
getting a four-year, $81 million new deal).
To make a deal like that work, the Cowboys would need to make some sacrifices.
They will be about $11 million over the cap when the offseason begins.
Three standout players, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, pass rusher Micah Parsons, and quarterback
Dak Prescott, are also being considered for large deal extensions.
It will not be simple for Dallas to make Wilkins a priority, but this offseason, switching up the defence and fortifying against the run will be crucial.
Cowboys Free Agency Must Address Issues
Much of the Cowboys’ ability to improve the defensive line next season could come down to the
development of Mazi Smith, who was the first-round draft pick of the Cowboys in 2023.
Smith showed some improvement as the year went on, but played only four snaps in the loss to the Packers,
a clear indication he does not have the coaching staff’s confidence.
Wilkins is a surer option.
“Wilkins, who turned 28 in December, has made a name for himself as one of the best defensive lineman in the league at stuffing runs.
In addition, he recently wrapped up a career-best season as a pass-rusher, recording nine sacks, 65 tackles, and ten tackles for loss.
This week, B/R reported that “He played a huge role in Miami ranking sixth in yards per carry allowed.”
“Dallas needs to strengthen its front-line run defence, and Smith could make a significant improvement in his second season.
” It’s also important to remember that March is when defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr.,
Dorance Armstrong, and Neville Gallimore are expected to become available.
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