Cowboys free agent linebacker Joe Thomas expected to sign with the Texans

The Dallas Cowboys have some questions at linebacker. There are two presumed starters in Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch, but behind them is a box full of question marks. One of those questions seems to have been answered. Reserve linebacker Joe Thomas will be leaving the Cowboys to go down south to Houston in 2021.

Thomas was signed in 2018 from the Green Bay Packers and immediately gave the Cowboys versatile depth at the linebacker position. He was never outstanding at one thing, but was good at many different things and a reliable presence. Additionally, he was a key member of the special teams for the three years he was in Dallas.

It’s still unclear if Sean Lee will retire or come back for another year. The Cowboys have virtually no battle-tested depth at the position if Lee doesn’t return. Francis Bernard and Luke Gifford are full of potential but it is unclear if they are the answer at the position. Justin March is a free agent and has really become basically a special teams guy.

The Cowboys will have some work to do at the position either in free agency or in the draft.