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We’re closer to March than we are January which means that free agency is just around the corner in the NFL.
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t been the biggest players in the talent acquisition period over the past few years, they seem to have gotten spooked by what happened with Brandon Carr in 2012 (although Carr was definitely serviceable). Jason Garrett is entering the season on the final year of his contract so it’s fair to wonder if he’ll have more of a “swing for the fences” mentality than he’s had in the past.
What about Jerry Jones, though? Ultimately it’s what he says that counts, right? During a non-football appearance at AT&T Stadium on Tuesday things quickly turned to the biggest sport in America, and apparently America’s Team has started putting together their free agency list... safety is on it.
At @ATTStadium for Errol Spence Jr. / Mikey Garcia boxing championship press conf. Asked Jerry Jones, “Do you foresee any convos during free agency at safety position” he quickly says “Yes. Yes - but that’s all I can say.” #cowboyswire
— Lindsay Draper (@LindsCashDraper) February 19, 2019
It definitely makes sense for the Cowboys to be in the market for a safety. Xavier Woods will be entering his third season with the team and showed potential last season, and even though the greatest player of all time in Jeff Heath shouldn’t be going anywhere that clearly isn’t enough.
Of course you can’t talk about safety and the Dallas Cowboys this particular offseason without mentioning Earl Thomas. Unlike a year ago there’s nothing standing in between Thomas and the Cowboys from dancing the night away, but will the song of yesteryear even come on? The speculation is certainly still alive.
Mike Fisher has reported that in-house discussions about Thomas are already happening.
Sources close to the situation tell me that Dallas’ view of the player is unchanged, even after missing all of last season in a Seattle contract dispute, even after sustained a season-ending injury during the season, even after turning 30.
In short: The Cowboys, at a reasonable price, want Earl Thomas.
The in-house discussions center on a) how much they want him in terms of dollars and sense and b) eventually, how to make the presentation in the best way to convince him to join his favorite boyhood team, the Cowboys.
Thomas isn’t the only safety that will be on the free agent market. There are a variety of names that could be potential answers for a team that seems more likely to bargain shop than hit the name brands. There are more than enough names to peak some interest:
- Earl Thomas
- Landon Collins
- Tyrann Mathieu
- Lamarcus Joyner
- Glover Quin
- Mike Adams
- Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix
Which ones do you like?