Cowboys re-sign veteran linebacker Justin Durant for 2017

On the eve of training camp, the Dallas Cowboys decided to bring back a veteran as insurance for 2017. Linebacker Justin Durant was re-signed by the Cowboys. Durant was with the Cowboys last year and played in 13 games. He also had a stint with the team a few years ago.

The Cowboys were heading into camp with some question marks among their linebacker corps. While the reports have been positive on the recovery of Jaylon Smith, there is no assurance about how much or how well he will be able to play when the pads come on. Damien Wilson was on the rise after turning in a quality performance in 2016, but his season is endangered after he was arrested earlier this offseason for multiple offenses. Mark Nzeocha has never been able to get off the injury list long enough to show what he can do. That left Sean Lee and Anthony Hitchens as the two starting-caliber players the Cowboys could depend on.

Now they can add Durant to that mix. Durant is a dependable, high-quality player that can help out on the field and in the locker room. To make room on the roster the Cowboys had to release cornerback Jeremiah McKinnson