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Cowboys 2021 free agency: Dallas agrees to terms on a one-year deal with safety Keanu Neal

The Cowboys are starting to build out a new defense.

NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Atlanta Falcons Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

When the Cowboy fired Mike Nolan and hired Dan Quinn to be their new defensive coordinator, all eyes turned to Atlanta Falcons players as potential future Cowboys. When the Falcons basically released their entire safety group, it was assumed the Cowboys were going to come calling. Especially with the need the team has at that position.

It was rumored yesterday that former Falcons safety Keanu Neal was choosing between the Cowboys and the Jets. Today, we got the answer.

As with all contracts, there are details. In this one, it looks like the Cowboys guaranteed $3 million of that $5 million.

There has been some discussion about Neal playing more a s a coverage linebacker from the WILL position instead of a box safety. Donovan Wilson came on strong in 2020 and looks like a good fit as the box safety, so it remains to be seen just how the team employs Neal. Quinn surely knows his strengths and limitations and should be able to find a role for a talented player.

At least the Cowboys are starting to really address their defense beyond the defensive line.

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Grade the Keanu Neal signing.

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  • 23%
    A
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  • 55%
    B
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    C
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  • 1%
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