The Dallas Cowboys have been searching for a safety to bring in since the team lost starting safety Barry Church to a torn Achilles tendon back at the end of September. That search is over today as the Cowboys have announced the signing of former Green Bay Packer Charlie Peprah. This signing may excite those of you from Texas, as Peprah is a native of Plano, Texas.
To make room for Peprah, the Cowboys will have to make a roster move. How much longer can the Cowboys carry two punters? That may be the area on the 53-man roster that they decide to make a change at considering that Brian Moorman has been punting the football very well in Chris Jones' absence. Also keep in mind that Phil Costa may miss 3-4 weeks after suffering a sprained ankle. Costa may become a candidate for the new injured reserve rule if his ankle injury keeps him out longer than six weeks.
Eric Frampton signed with the Cowboys back on September 25th, but he is more of a special teams ace. Frampton is a very good special teams player who can make an impact in that area, but he really doesn't offer the Cowboys much in terms of production on Rob Ryan's defense.
Peprah (5-11, 203) on the other hand is more of a natural playmaker who can offer Rob Ryan and the Cowboys another solid option at safety opposite of starter Gerald Sensabaugh. Danny McCray has filled in for Church, but he is more of a special teams player who is really out of his comfort zone in the base defense.
Peprah has a lot of experience (26 starts, including one Super Bowl) under his belt and was a decent starting safety for the Green Bay Packers. In his last season in Green Bay, Peprah replaced Nick Collins in the starting lineup and recorded 94 tackles, 10 passes defended, 1 forced fumble and 5 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown).
While I won't be expecting Peprah to come in and make a huge contribution statistically, it isn't out of the question for him to make plays as a rotational player who can come in and play in certain packages. Peprah is a physical safety who can generate interceptions and tackle, but just don't expect him to be Ed Reed or anything like that. He is a very solid player who at worst can offer the Cowboys better depth.
The Cowboys must have done their homework on Peprah. They worked out 16 players just a few weeks ago at Valley Ranch, so they must have seen that Peprah was healthy and in football shape. Peprah was released by the Packers in July because he couldn't pass a physical, and he is no stranger to knee injuries. Hopefully he is healthy and ready to make a contribution to the Dallas Cowboys.
So BTB, is this a good signing for the Cowboys? Have at it in the comment section and tell us your take on the signing of Charlie Peprah.