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Wednesday was a rather slow day for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency as the only news of note at the five o’clock hour was that they had released punter Chris Jones. A few days into the player acquisition period the Cowboys have, per their usual ways, generally sat out. Mostly the team has been focused on returning several players, generally with a tie to special teams.
Dallas has watched a number of different players leave in free agency already and one of them was cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. While Awuzie isn’t necessarily an elite corner his return would have settled the secondary situation somewhat. That didn't happen but the Cowboys did make a move in that direction.
Jourdan Lewis is returning to the Cowboys on a three-year, max of $16.5M deal
From just about day one Lewis and Awuzie were close as teammates. It makes sense given that they play the same position and were around each other a lot.
Lewis spoke glowingly about his former teammate on social media when news of Awuzie’s new deal with Cincinnati broke. The possibility of them continuing to play together existed until Lewis agreed to terms with a non-Bengals team, and that has happened. He isn’t going anywhere.
CB Jourdan Lewis is returning to the Dallas Cowboys on a 3-year deal worth a max of $16.5 million, including $8M guaranteed, per his agent @VIPSports_Mgt.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2021
Jourdan Lewis is a promising cornerback, and the inclusion of the word “max” in the report would suggest that the deal might not be all too much in terms of what is being given up front. Still, though, at his peak he has been a legitimate playmaker for the team on defense so having him back is nice to see.
What’s more is that Lewis staying on the team means the Cowboys’ depth at cornerback isn’t totally depleted. He, Trevon Diggs, and Anthony Brown comprise the group for now, no disrespect intended towards special teams ace C.J. Goodwin who is also coming back, and obviously it is possible for the team to draft say Patrick Surtain II or Caleb Farley.
Welcome back, Jourdan Lewis.
Poll
Are you happy that the Cowboys are bringing back Jourdan Lewis?
Update: 8:08pm ET
More details on Jourdan’s contract are in.
Cowboys CB Jourdan Lewis to sign a 3-year deal worth up to $16.5M, including $8M in guarantees, source said. Can earn up to $1M in playing time and INT incentives each year. His $3M salary in 2022 is guaranteed for injury, becomes fully guaranteed on fifth day of 2022 league year
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 18, 2021
As you were.