Blogging The Boys - All PostsDallas Cowboys, all the time...since 2005.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47663/Picture_4.png2024-03-18T17:21:23-05:00http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T17:21:23-05:002024-03-18T17:21:23-05:00Cowboys free agents: Team agrees to terms to bring back Rico Dowdle
<figure>
<img alt="Philadelphia Eagles v Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r60m3tvJ21G1hpHHJZYPtAAIiHY=/13x0:3250x2158/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216551/1862976697.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The current RB1. | Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Rico Dowdle is returning to the Cowboys</p> <p id="VppMY7">The departure of Tony Pollard in free agency left the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> with a question mark at running back. Now they have come up with a solution, and while it is not the kind of splashy move that fans keep yearning for, it is a smart one. It was announced on Monday the Cowboys are re-signing Rico Dowdle.</p>
<div id="wQoXz1">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ricodowdle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ricodowdle</a> staying in Dallas <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dallascowboys</a>‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LegendsLiveHere?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LegendsLiveHere</a> <a href="https://t.co/mavSfLwtGl">pic.twitter.com/mavSfLwtGl</a></p>— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) <a href="https://twitter.com/_SportsTrust/status/1769844920531943863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ucTVfP">After fighting injuries early in his time with Dallas, Dowdle finally was able to contribute in 2023 when Ezekiel Elliott was no longer with the team. He moved to the RB2 role behind Pollard, and while he only amassed 361 yards in the 16 games he played, he had a respectable 4.1 yards per carry average. He also chipped in 144 yards on 17 catches, for a rather nice 8.5 yards per reception.</p>
<p id="L3y1N2">This is shaping up to be another year when the Cowboys are going the, um, frugal route in free agency, and while the terms have not been released, Dowdle seems sure to fit that profile. Most importantly, the staff has a pretty clear idea what they have in him, and were able to secure a new starting running back without having to bid in the open market. This does not preclude them from using a draft pick to add another ball-carrier, but with the lack of draft capital this year, it takes the pressure off thinking about using a premium pick. They will more likely look for an addition on day three of the draft to develop.</p>
<p id="oCDJXA">For some time, it looked like Dowdle would never get a real chance to shine, but this looks like his time has come. It is good to see his hard work pay off, and we hope he has an excellent year.</p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/18/24105302/dallas-cowboys-free-agents-agrees-terms-running-back-rico-dowdle-tony-pollard-draftTom Ryle2024-03-18T16:00:00-05:002024-03-18T16:00:00-05:00Cowboys free agency leaves a lot of holes, but it’s not as bad as it looks
<figure>
<img alt="Dallas Cowboys v Arizona Cardinals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-Qija8SuolaEVN2CsKe0zITNams=/15x151:3315x2351/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216382/1701656814.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There are a lot of people questioning how the Dallas Cowboys are approaching free agency.</p> <p id="wABcHI">It’s business as usual for the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> and that means it’s time to disappoint fans who are holding their breath for some new toys to admire as the team revamps their roster. Most are conditioned for this quiet period, but it’s still concerning because the Cowboys have lost several of their own free agents and signed only one new one. Not only that, but the team is without their regular fourth- and fifth-round draft picks so their draft resources are a little light this year. For those reasons, there is a concern that the team will have too many holes to fill and not enough players to fill them.</p>
<p id="AwMGd8">Today, we’re going to run through some of these more concerning positions and examine just how bad the Cowboys are sitting.</p>
<h4 id="389ikw"><strong>OFFENSIVE LINE</strong></h4>
<p id="W6Ktc4">The hardest pill to swallow is<a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/15/24096318/dallas-cowboys-free-agent-tackle-tyron-smith-sign-1-year-deal-worth-20m-new-york-jets"> the loss of Tyron Smith</a>. Combine that with <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/11/24097515/dallas-cowboys-free-agents-tyler-biadasz-joining-dan-quinn-washington-commanders-dan-quinn">Tyler Biadasz also leaving</a> and the Cowboys sit with two gaping holes along the offensive line. But is really that bad?</p>
<p id="WgYWjA"><a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/12/24097997/dallas-cowboys-free-agents-brock-hoffman-benefit-tyler-biadasz-center-tyron-smith-tj-bass">This team believes in Brock Hoffman </a>and with what little we saw last year, it’s not inconceivable that he can play at a comparable level as Biadasz has in recent years. Biadasz wasn’t a superstar by any means and Hoffman actually possesses more power. He’s two years younger than Biadasz and still has room to grow. This center transition may not be as bad as we think.</p>
<p id="mmEl5q">As for replacing Tyron, that’s a different story. The good news is the Cowboys are fortunate that this year’s offensive tackle class is loaded with talent. <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/18/24103432/dallas-cowboys-offensive-line-crisis-tyron-smith-tyler-biadasz-brock-hoffman-tj-bass-draft">The better news is the Cowboys are sharp at sniffing it out.</a> Remember, just a couple of years ago, the took Tyler Smith who was the sixth offensive lineman taken in the draft. Here we are now and Smith is the only All-Pro lineman from his draft class and may very easily be the best of the best. If you are worried about this team missing out on a starting-caliber lineman in this draft, don’t be.</p>
<h4 id="HpH6d0"><strong>LINEBACKER</strong></h4>
<p id="rqkljs"><a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/15/24102292/dallas-cowboys-release-linebacker-leighton-vander-esch-failed-physical-designation-neck-injury">The Cowboys have parted ways with Leighton Vander Esch </a>after six seasons. This didn’t come as a big surprise as neck issues continue to put his health in danger. While one linebacker is gone, <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/13/24100191/dallas-cowboys-free-agent-signing-eric-kendricks-mike-zimmer-steals-linebacker-san-francisco-49ers">another has been added as the team signed veteran free agent Eric Kendricks </a>who should be<a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/14/24100642/dallas-cowboys-free-agent-signing-eric-kendricks-mike-zimmer-defense"> a quality acquisition </a>to a now-led Mike Zimmer defense.</p>
<p id="hoMOGF">The team will also get another linebacker added to the roster in the form of second-year player DeMarvion Overshown. A third-round pick last year, the rookie flashed in the preseason before suffering a knee injury. Damone Clark remains on the roster and shouldn’t be asked to do quite as much as he has over his first two years in the league. The Cowboys may also look to the draft to bolster up the linebacker position group even more.</p>
<p id="JIZXVh">Linebacker is a position some are worried about, but there’s a good chance this group just got smarter, stronger, and even faster than what they rolled out last season.</p>
<h4 id="PuaTCH"><strong>DEFENSIVE TACKLE</strong></h4>
<p id="UVboya">Defensive tackle is a position this team has battled to improve for years. Even with the first-round investment of Mazi Smith last year, they just can’t seem to turn a corner here. The good news is they aren’t losing anyone meaningful. Neville Gallimore is gone, but he’s not anyone who will be missed. What will things look like this upcoming season?</p>
<p id="WgWIiy">You’d think the team would add someone who could upgrade the nose tackle spot, but who knows? At the very least, they might bring Johnathan Hankins back. Smith will be in year two and fingers are crossed he’ll take a step forward. And let’s not forget Osa Odighizuwa who is a fringe breakout player.</p>
<h4 id="Y7NYzF"><strong>RUNNING BACK</strong></h4>
<p id="zWPNg1">The Cowboys gave Ezekiel Elliott a big contract, but then soon learned that the wear and tear of heavy early-year usage caught up to him. He was averaging 3.8 yards per carry in his final year in Dallas. The team went from one overpriced back to another paying $10 million to Tony Pollard for the 2023 season. The once explosive 5.0+ yards per carry guy dropped to just 4.0 ypc last year as the team’s workhorse back. His longest run last year was 31 yards. Pollard’s new partner in crime in the backfield, Rico Dowdle, averaged just 4.1 yards per carry. His longest run last season was 21 yards.</p>
<p id="91uuNy">It’s clear the team is hitting the reset button at running back. They may bring Dowdle back, Malik Davis is still under contract, and they drafted Deuce Vaughn last year. Neither of these guys bring out any excitement, but the team is still working to fix the running back group. A low-cost free agent signing should be on the horizon and the team should look to the draft for a fresh new rookie running back.</p>
<p id="Dq2nZW"><strong>Fun fact:</strong> Over the last 20 years, the Cowboys have taken a running back between picks 70 and 150 four different times. Three of them have turned into Pro Bowlers (Marion Barber, DeMarco Murray, and Tony Pollard). </p>
<h4 id="S67KeI"><strong>WIDE RECEIVER</strong></h4>
<p id="GXPflJ">CeeDee Lamb proved that he was a legit star receiver and <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/13/24099736/dallas-cowboys-ceedee-lamb-reportedly-priority-contract-extensions-dak-prescott-micah-parsons">he will soon be getting a long-term extension. </a>The trade for Brandin Cooks was a success and the team has him under contract for another year. Sadly, Michael Gallup wasn’t able to improve and after two disappointing seasons, <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/15/24096313/dallas-cowboys-release-wide-receiver-michael-gallup-ceedee-lamb-amari-cooper-june-1st-cut">the team released him last week designating him a post-June 1st cut.</a></p>
<p id="YdrebG">From a wide receiver group perspective, they only have to replace Gallup, and let’s face it, he didn’t contribute very much. Third-year receiver Jalen Tolbert could very easily step into a larger role and be equally if not better than Gallup. Last year’s late-round/undrafted guys Jalen Brooks and David Durden are also in the mix. And let’s not forget the upcoming draft features a rich wide receiver class, so there will be opportunities there as well.</p>
<p id="LXAQx5">It shouldn’t be too hard for the team to upgrade this position group and it’s something they should shoot for considering Cooks will be an unrestricted free agent next season.</p>
<h4 id="Kl69V7"><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></h4>
<p id="7bVhVT">When you break down each position, there isn’t any one spot where the Cowboys are in real trouble, and most of these offer chances to be even better. It’s okay to be concerned about certain areas considering the net gains and losses thus far, but it’s still way early. We should at least hold off our panic for later when some of this roster acquisition dust has settled.</p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/18/24104004/dallas-cowboys-free-agency-roster-holes-jerry-stephen-jones-eric-kendricks-tyron-smith-ceedee-lambDan Rogers2024-03-18T14:00:00-05:002024-03-18T14:00:00-05:00Cowboys draft 2024: WR Xavier Worthy scouting report
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 02 Big 12 Championship Game - Texas vs Oklahoma State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rOescDrCuQYGHl7uNC7B1e96Urc=/0x0:3792x2528/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215909/1825481621.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here is our scouting report on wide receiver Xavier Worthy from Texas</p> <p id="cgYkVD">We continue our 2024 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> review of draft prospects that could interest the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>. Today we are looking at wide receiver Xavier Worthy from Texas.</p>
<p id="spe0vs"><strong>Xavier Worthy</strong><br>WR<br><a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com">Texas Longhorns</a><br>Junior<br>4-star recruit <br>5’11”<br>165 lbs<br>Hands- 8 3/4” (9%)<br>Arm Length- 31 1/8” (27%)<br>Wingspan- 74 1/4” (26%)</p>
<div id="0oRctB">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Xavier Worthy <a href="https://t.co/sv6Kq5ToRA">pic.twitter.com/sv6Kq5ToRA</a></p>— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThePhillyPod/status/1765034995846930892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="7eSnOh"><strong>History:</strong><br>Xavier Worthy ran track and played football in high school and was tabbed as a four-star recruit by 247 Sports. He opted to enroll at Texas and joined the team in 2021. </p>
<p id="MZbyaM">In his freshman year, Worthy started in all 12 games. He played 704 total snaps and was targeted 103 times. He had 62 receptions for 981 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. When targeted he had a passer rating of 106.5.</p>
<p id="lCgbWH">In his sophomore year, Worthy again played in all 13 games for Texas. He had 60 receptions for 760 yards and nine touchdowns. He did, however, have a career high of seven drops. He also began returning punts with 15 returns for 146 yards. </p>
<p id="CXc37t">In 2023, Worthy played in all 14 games which included a playoff appearance. He did sustain an ankle injury in the season which hindered his production but he never missed any time. He had career highs with 75 catches and 1,014 receiving yards. He also scored five receiving touchdowns and one touchdown off a punt return. His passer rating when targeted finished on 93.6 for the year. </p>
<div id="hA39bS">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Xavier Worthy had a MONSTER day <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TexasFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/pleHSH4Cpz">pic.twitter.com/pleHSH4Cpz</a></p>— PFF College (@PFF_College) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1446945220743077898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="qj1htL"><strong>2023 Statistics:</strong><br>833 Total snaps<br>119 Targets<br>75 Receptions <br>1,014 Receiving Yards<br>5 TD<br>13.5 Avg<br>571 YAC<br>5 Drops<br>93.6 Passer Rating</p>
<p id="PYtcIf"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-combine"><strong>NFL Combine</strong></a><strong>/Pro Day:</strong><br>10-Yard Split- 1.49s (93%)<br>40-Yard Time- 4.21s (100%)<br>Vert- 41” (95%)<br>Broad- 131”(92%)</p>
<div id="dBbCuL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">OFFICIAL: 4.21<br><br>XAVIER WORTHY HOLDS THE NEW 40-YARD DASH RECORD <a href="https://t.co/IrXf3WyemB">pic.twitter.com/IrXf3WyemB</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1764073880119836935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="7k4fil"><strong>Awards:</strong><br>First-team All-Big 12 (2023)<br>Second-team All-Big 12 (2022)</p>
<div id="A6gUAE">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don’t let <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Texas</a> WR Xavier Worthy and his slight frame fool you into thinking he’s only a speed/deep threat! He isn’t afraid to mix it up and be physical in running through tacklers <a href="https://t.co/840w4mVDGL">pic.twitter.com/840w4mVDGL</a></p>— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealD_Jackson/status/1766980355037479235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="sLKVXY"><em><strong>Scorecard:</strong></em><br>Overall- 88.1<br>Catching- 80<br>Route Running- 79<br>Deep Threat- 90<br>YAC Skills- 89<br>Blocking- 63<br>Speed- 99<br>Strength- 68<br>Acceleration- 92<br>Agility- 93</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aaVmHts50YqkhZYUhCFsiV3u_z0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25334814/739594EB_7C6A_4B92_8F76_AF79018F8089.jpeg">
</figure>
<p id="EQwrd9"><strong>THE GOOD:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="ez4WOv">Elite speed to say the least. Not just fast, he’s fast-fast</li>
<li id="fPPjeG">A fantastic playmaker with the ball in his hands</li>
<li id="hwifuJ">Smooth runner and accelerator </li>
<li id="ryqt4t">Very impressive acceleration and gets up to top speed quickly </li>
<li id="3LCrNN">Has more than just deep routes in his repertoire. Shows he can run sharp dig and out routes effectively </li>
<li id="4H9i7U">Very quick feet to get into breaks</li>
<li id="uplxGH">Willing to make the catches across the middle and surrender his body</li>
<li id="rwhjFH">Catching skills aren’t perfect but are adequately reliable </li>
<li id="6HCFro">Good ball tracking</li>
<li id="O0r3gF">Has very good skills to play on special teams as a returner </li>
</ul>
<div id="wa6f1q">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WR Xavier Worthy<br>Texas<br><br>The Good<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DallasCowboys?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DallasCowboys</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cowboys?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cowboys</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLDraft</a> <a href="https://t.co/2K6tKKFWBK">pic.twitter.com/2K6tKKFWBK</a></p>— Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) <a href="https://twitter.com/kenfigkowboy/status/1768033172225183960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ClFRgH"><strong>THE BAD:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="3b3Dyw">Slender frame and build holds him back against press and struggles to beat physical corners consistently </li>
<li id="MZEqdu">Not a physically strong player</li>
<li id="4v1YC7">Easily knocked away on jump balls </li>
<li id="4FQehm">Easily pushed off routes </li>
<li id="BYC7l8">Won’t win many contested catches</li>
<li id="Bwkfpe">Has some simple drops on tape with very little defensive pressure around him </li>
<li id="zIaavx">Will expose the play-call by going low-effort when the play is away from him</li>
<li id="SQXYgx">Frame and playstyle create injury concerns </li>
</ul>
<div id="PpWhKL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WR Xavier Worthy<br>Texas<br><br>The Bad<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DallasCowboys?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DallasCowboys</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cowboys?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cowboys</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLDraft</a> <a href="https://t.co/W64QZY8PkS">pic.twitter.com/W64QZY8PkS</a></p>— Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) <a href="https://twitter.com/kenfigkowboy/status/1768033266626424839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ejNQAn"><strong>THE FIT:</strong><br>Xavier Worthy made a huge splash during the combine. His record setting 40-time launched him into the spotlight and has many NFL coaches asking more questions about him and the way he can transform their offense. His speed and explosiveness is extremely enticing along with his deep threat and middle field production. Most people will say he’s nothing more than a fast runner and will compare him to John Ross. But Worthy is much more than that. He has some extra nuance to his route tree and a lot more instincts for the position. </p>
<p id="cHyAgu">Needless to say, Worthy does need to need work on his drops. Some of the drops were confusing when he makes the tough deep catches, then drops a simple on the outside when he’s wide open. The other issue is his size. Based on the fact he’s an extremely fast twitch player with insane straight-line speed and has a very minor frame, the impact that will have on his body when taking big hits leaves coaches to be concerned about injuries. </p>
<p id="niHECZ">Based on his his combine, Worthy will be seen as a fringe first-round talent. The tape however will tell you he’s more a mid to late second-round talent.</p>
<div id="wHNcn5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">XAVIER WORTHY IS GONE <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/jxudxwgzr2">pic.twitter.com/jxudxwgzr2</a></p>— PFF College (@PFF_College) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1718355559257108651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="se1thO"><strong>COMPARISON:-</strong><br>Corey Coleman, <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a></p>
<p id="ZMqtjG"><strong>GRADE:</strong><br>Mid second-round grade</p>
<p id="NdOyQv"><strong>CONSENSUS RANKING:</strong><br>33rd<br><em>(Consensus ranking based on the average ranking from 90 major scoring services)</em></p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aDPVMtUcc9LxodmMNqRYlg69u78=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25334822/IMG_2976.jpeg">
</figure>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/18/24100054/dallas-cowboys-draft-prospects-2024-wide-receiver-xavier-worthy-scouting-reportMike Poland2024-03-18T12:30:00-05:002024-03-18T12:30:00-05:00Leighton Vander Esch retiring from football after 6 seasons with Dallas Cowboys
<figure>
<img alt="Dallas Cowboys v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oDWOBgKyarf3dKSWAdLqIqNdMpI=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215648/1964117687.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Wolf Hunter is officially calling it a career.</p> <p id="VMB7mZ">Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is retiring from professional football.</p>
<div id="ZADuUU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JUST IN: Former Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch has medically retired.<br><br>“I love the game of football so much, and my body won’t cooperate any longer. I cherished every moment of my NFL career, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have played.”<br><br>55 <a href="https://t.co/TMTfgZPeuC">pic.twitter.com/TMTfgZPeuC</a></p>— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickHarrisDC/status/1769771084256084390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="c9PG8b">Last Friday the Cowboys <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/15/24102292/dallas-cowboys-release-linebacker-leighton-vander-esch-failed-physical-designation-neck-injury">released the former first-round pick</a> and it appears that they will be the only team he will ever play for.</p>
<p id="2PYZmL">The Wolf Hunter, Vander Esch’s nickname, was drafted in the first round of the 2018 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> by the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>. The Cowboys have had an affinity for Boise State players in the past and many people connected them to Vander Esch in the lead up to that draft, which incidentally took place at AT&T Stadium, so it was a rather predictable thing at the time.</p>
<p id="DMZyF3">But that doesn’t mean it was a bad one. That season started rather rough for the Cowboys for a number of reasons (shout out to the infamous wide-receiver-by-committee) but really turned around after the team traded for wide receiver Amari Cooper at the deadline. As November arrived the team found themselves and Vander Esch was a big reason for that.</p>
<p id="arTb8m">The mothership <a href="https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/lve-retires-from-nfl-cowboys-issue-statement">issued</a> a statement about Vander Esch’s retirement from Jerry Jones:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="EmOt4l">“Seldom do you come across a player like Leighton, who grew up playing eight-man football only to first play the 11-man game at the major collegiate level and excel,” said Jones. “His passion and love for the game was contagious, and from the moment he arrived, he has been a difference maker. His grit, toughness, motivation, determination and football IQ will be sorely missed. Leighton also embodied the strong character and personal qualities that make him much more than an accomplished player.”</p>
<p id="G1FaQS">“He was a leader and the kind of teammate that impacted those around him in the best ways. Leighton’s playing career may have come to an end, but his future is very bright. On behalf of the entire Dallas Cowboys organization, we’re proud that he wore the star on his helmet, we thank him and we wish all the best to Leighton, his wife, Madalynn, and their young daughter.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="0luGD2">Mike McCarthy issued a statement as well:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="1w65H7">“Leighton is exactly the kind of player and person a coach feels very fortunate to have on their team,” said McCarthy. “His leadership, character, perseverance, dedication and will to win were all at the highest level, not to mention his ability to play the game. Leighton impacted our team beyond defense. He set a tone that served as an example for all of our players about how we want to play.”</p>
<p id="7eZw9N">“Having a teammate like Leighton is something everyone on our staff and in our locker room valued greatly, and we’re going to miss him. I wish Leighton, his wife Madalynn and their daughter the best and know that he’s going to continue living life to the fullest.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="wRbeLw">LVE helped kickstart the rise of the defense during the team’s trip to Philadelphia that year where he picked off Carson Wentz early in the game. Together with Jaylon Smith, he helped the Cowboys form a great linebacker duo, sort of what we all envisioned years before with Sean Lee and Bruce Carter (or Rolando McClain for a period).</p>
<p id="b0GdFF">Vander Esch fell short of Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2018 as it ultimately went to Shaquille Leonard of the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. Unfortunately that season would be one of only two in which Vander Esch would play every game as injuries began to take their toll on him. He played nine and ten games in 2019 and 2020 respectively, which helped serve as part of the reasoning for the Cowboys drafting linebacker (really more of a name only as we would come to find out) Micah Parsons in 2021. They declined Vander Esch’s fifth-year option shortly after.</p>
<p id="Jbnszp">But Vander Esch bounced back that season and played every game yet again. It led to the Cowboys giving him a one-year deal for the 2022 season. Yet again he played very well and proved to be one of the foundational elements for Dan Quinn’s group in defending the run. Dallas ultimately brought him back on a two-year deal last offseason.</p>
<p id="qCPpjb">Unfortunately Vander Esch only played five games for the Cowboys in 2023 and appears ready to walk away from the game. We wish him and his family all the best and are very grateful for the good times.</p>
<p id="5lRSTg"></p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/18/24100539/dallas-cowboys-leighton-vander-esch-retiring-nfl-football-six-seasons-neck-injuriesRJ Ochoa2024-03-18T12:00:00-05:002024-03-18T12:00:00-05:005 running backs the Cowboys should consider trading for in 2024
<figure>
<img alt="Denver Broncos v Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OhnOgFMk18jUzStU7vGvEjDJnhk=/0x0:3550x2367/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215552/1799241155.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Who do you think will be the primary running back for the Cowboys this season?</p> <p id="wiCzXI">With the well mostly dried up at the running back position in free agency, and the unknown about how things will play out at the position in the 2024 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> may have to set their sights on the trade market to find Tony Pollard’s replacement. Even upgrading the position that way may be too much to ask, but that should in no way stop them from trying.</p>
<p id="UTZesD">Over the last several years the Cowboys have been willing to part with late-round draft picks to upgrade their roster. That’s the same approach they would be wise to take again this year, especially as it pertains to the running back position. Fortunately for them, there could potentially be a handful of teams willing to make a deal based on recent offseason moves or the unknown future surrounding a certain player.</p>
<p id="mFG7cz">Today, we are going to identify five teams the Cowboys should pick up the phone and place a call to about the availability of certain running backs. Each one of the players mentioned below could possibly be acquired with a Day 3 pick this year and each one of them would arguably upgrade Dallas’ RB position if acquired via trade. This is all speculation of course, but not completely without basis.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Q6sXTY">
<h3 id="2uKurV"><strong>ATLANTA FALCONS</strong></h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Atlanta Falcons v Arizona Cardinals" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qn_QEfB18yzF7bUKbnq-rRr_Fms=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25336715/1790066624.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="81GtV6"><strong>RB Tyler Allgeier</strong></h3>
<p id="QeUco4">Tyler Allgeier was the 151st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a> and has two years remaining on his rookie deal. In his two years in Atlanta he's rushed for a little over 1,700 yards, 1,035 of which came as a rookie, and has scored a total of seven rushing touchdowns. The 5'11", 220-pound RB looks and plays the part of a legitimate starter, but unfortunately for him, Atlanta drafted Bijan Robinson in the first-round last year, which cut down Allgeier's playing time down significantly. While these two have the potential to give the Falcons a young, talented duo, it wouldn't hurt for the Dallas Cowboys to pick up the phone to see if the former <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com">BYU</a> RB is available via trade.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="gJfkWx">
<h3 id="62mmiA"><strong>CAROLINA PANTHERS</strong></h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Carolina Panthers v Tennessee Titans" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nITyUeNC1gHbKyH3F8QGfpe8dt8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25336740/1815277708.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="REhwgn"><strong>RB Chuba Hubbard</strong></h3>
<p id="YFW3tF">The <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> signed Miles Sanders to a four-year, $24 million contract to create a solid RB duo with Chuba Hubbard last season. While they are probably expecting to run it back with the two once again in 2024, Hubbard is entering a contract year, making his future with the organization somewhat unknown. With that in mind, and the fact Carolina is still building around Bryce Young, they could choose to make him available via trade to acquire more draft capital this year instead of risking losing him to free agency next year and getting nothing in return. This could actually work out to be a win-win for both the Panthers and Cowboys. Carolina gets some extra draft capital, the Cowboys RB help.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="9ycETi">
<h3 id="XvAoQQ"><strong>CHICAGO BEARS</strong></h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Arizona Cardinals v Chicago Bears" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CQvdhtW7hY5NfxBC0sT8C8bzg5w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25336735/1945498449.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="5jCP4i"><strong>RB Roschon Johnson & Khalil Herbert</strong></h3>
<p id="cw2LFo">This is a 'take your pick’ for our third running back prospect. The <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> signed free agent RB D'Andre Swift to a three-year, $24 million contract to presumably be their new starter. If that's true, they have a couple of running backs the Dallas Cowboys should inquire about, last year's fourth-round draft pick Roschon Johnson and their 2021 sixth-round draft pick Khalil Herbert. Johnson (6'0", 225) is someone the Cowboys showed an interest in last year coming out of Texas. Chicago more than likely plans to pair him with Swift, but it doesn't hurt for Dallas to inquire about his availability just the same. Herbert, on the other hand, is likely expendable, especially considering he's entering a contract year. He's a capable RB2 whose shown flashes of being a RB1.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="6tiuxW">
<h3 id="N6pbmz"><strong>DENVER BRONCOS</strong></h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Kansas City Chiefs v Denver Broncos" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MzwMwlhLy30vwmXpUoQBs3B8KKY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25338745/1765726332.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="GF4KU3"><strong>RB Javonte Williams </strong></h3>
<p id="bNOMVC">The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> drafted Javonte Williams with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Williams started only one game as a rookie, but ended up rushing for 903 yards (4.4 y/a) and four touchdowns. His sophomore season was cut short after tearing his ACL in Week 4, ultimately landing him on injured reserve. Last season he started 13 games and rushed for 774 yards (3.6 y/a) and two touchdowns. With the Broncos going through somewhat of a rebuild, Williams could be available via trade considering he's entering a contract year. With Jaleel McLaughlin potentially waiting in the wings, the Cowboys should place a call to their buddy Sean Payton about Williams' availability.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="zhQ8L0">
<h3 id="eVNHmL"><strong>HOUSTON TEXANS</strong></h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Houston Texans v Baltimore Ravens" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HNPch89UTFO7AyjIlCE-GI36iyI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25336727/1672198672.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="jRtqE7"><strong>RB Dameon Pierce</strong></h3>
<p id="6qt6zv">Dameon Pierce was the 107th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Houston Texas. After rushing for 939 yards (4.3 y/a) and scoring four touchdowns as a rookie, he ended up having a dramatically different sophomore season, rushing for only 416 yards (2.9 y/a) and scoring only two touchdowns. Now after the trade for Joe Mixon and his recent three-year, $27 million contract extension, Pierce's once bright future in Houston could be coming to an end. If the Dallas Cowboys were wise, they'd pick up the phone and see if they could pry him away from the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> in hopes he can recapture his rookie form. After all, he very much looked the part of a legitimate RB1 not long ago.</p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/18/24101177/dallas-cowboys-free-agents-tony-pollard-possible-trades-dameon-pierce-chuba-hubbard-tyler-allgeierBrian_Martin2024-03-18T10:00:00-05:002024-03-18T10:00:00-05:00Cowboys, Dak Prescott create $4M in team salary cap space by adding two void years to contract
<figure>
<img alt="NFC Wild Card Playoffs - Green Bay Packers v Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xi3KrYH8PuX8dt4Ac4QysoR8WrM=/0x0:5131x3421/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215229/1941333223.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cowboys and Dak Prescott have worked together to create some much-needed team salary cap space.</p> <p id="sg3FdL">The second week of free agency begins on Monday, and as it does, the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> have a little bit more breathing room in terms of salary cap space. It was reported by ESPN’s Field Yates that the Cowboys created $4M in salary cap space by converting part of Dak Prescott’s roster bonus into a signing bonus by adding two void years to his current deal. As his colleague Dan Graziano noted, this could not have happened with Prescott’s consent.</p>
<div id="l1InDU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Important point on this is that they couldn’t have added void years without Dak’s permission. So they are working together at least a little bit. Extension still possible. <a href="https://t.co/hFo9iE5VAI">https://t.co/hFo9iE5VAI</a></p>— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanGrazianoESPN/status/1769699622203601382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="oipDYk">We have noted many times that the Cowboys did not <em>need </em>Dak Prescott’s consent in order to restructure his current contract. They could have created about $19M with a few flicks of a pen, but doing so would have kicked the can down the road to a point in time where Prescott may no longer be on the team.</p>
<p id="LWGkSN">That the Cowboys did not do that feels significant, but seemingly more significant is that the two parties worked together to accomplish this. We should not make a mountain out of a $4M-sized mole hill or anything, but harmony is harmony. History tells us that contract negotiations can be fickle and we have seen them go down to the wire between Prescott and the Cowboys so this feels like an olive branch of sorts.</p>
<p id="TcPggz">But that this was the chosen route also suggests that there is no extension coming in the immediate future as has been reported for a while. This is admittedly an assumption but if it were imminent then there would be no real reason to execute this specific move right now. Dallas adding the void years that tie (in a literal sense) Prescott to their team through 2028 suggest that they have some potential plans of having him under contract then, but reading into this beyond that right now feels hard to do.</p>
<p id="bja8ws">Perhaps the Dak extension will come later on in the year closer to training camp as has been expected and reported by various people. In the meantime it is good to see the two parties working together.</p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/18/24104692/dallas-cowboys-dak-prescott-create-4-million-team-salary-cap-space-adding-two-void-years-contractRJ Ochoa2024-03-18T08:00:00-05:002024-03-18T08:00:00-05:00It’s déjà vu all over again for the Cowboys and their offensive line “crisis”
<figure>
<img alt="Dallas Cowboys v Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZF5vKlLxKnzu0F4K2SRrJL8lNk=/0x0:4728x3152/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214923/1870248700.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This season will present quite the challenge for the Dallas Cowboys offensive line.</p> <p id="9mgOlz">The <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> lost two important pieces to their offensive line last week. First, <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/11/24097515/dallas-cowboys-free-agents-tyler-biadasz-joining-dan-quinn-washington-commanders-dan-quinn">we learned that center Tyler Biadasz</a> joined Dan Quinn and the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Commanders</a>. That stung a little as the 2022 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a>er has been solid for the team, but he hasn’t necessarily been playing spectacularly over his time in Dallas. Most of us could live with that.</p>
<p id="yyabmD">But then <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/15/24096318/dallas-cowboys-free-agent-tackle-tyron-smith-sign-1-year-deal-worth-20m-new-york-jets">news broke that Tyron Smith is joining</a> the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> after 13 seasons with the Cowboys. That one hurt. Smith has been one of the better tackles in the league over his career and even though he’s been battling injuries in recent years, he put together a very strong 2023 season. That type of player will be missed.</p>
<p id="zhViuo">Just like that, the Cowboys were down two starting offensive linemen. On paper, it puts them in a difficult spot. They have some depth pieces, but they are all young and unproven prospects. Along the interior, they have a couple of undrafted free agents in T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman. Due to a couple of unexpected injuries last year, both of them do have two starts under their belt, but rest assured, they have very little NFL experience.</p>
<p id="qxi6hS">On the outside, it’s even worse. They have a couple of fifth-round guys in Matt Waletzko and Asim Richards. These two have 48 total reps between them. The situation along the offensive line looks bleak and the last time the Cowboys were in this type of dire straits was way back in... well, actually it was just two years ago. </p>
<p id="7Eie6P">If you recall, in the offseason of 2022, they lost Connor Williams in free agency and then two days later released veteran La’el Collins. These bang-bang decisions created quite a stir among Cowboys Nation as these losses put a good-sized dent in the team’s offensive line depth. And then in the spring, they didn’t sign an outside free agent for depth, seemingly painting themselves into a corner by having to draft a lineman in the first round. Does any of this sound familiar?</p>
<div id="XeTQom">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Two years ago the Cowboys "painted themselves into a corner" by moving on from La'el Collins and Connor Williams. Fans went nuts.<br><br>They then proceeded to draft an All-Pro offensive lineman with pick 24 and made a third-year UDFA a starter.<br><br>Hmm... <a href="https://t.co/bd09JS8LsN">pic.twitter.com/bd09JS8LsN</a></p>— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) <a href="https://twitter.com/DannyPhantom24/status/1769132254650094068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="YQDzh0">Yes, it looked bad back then. And quite honestly, it looked even worse when they appeared to miss out on all the top-level offensive line talent and were forced to “reach” for Tulsa tackle Tyler Smith. What a collection of follies this was for the Cowboys’ front office, or at least, so we thought. </p>
<p id="XqiclN">With the benefit of hindsight, we now know that things actually turned out pretty good. That Tyler Smith fella turned out to be pretty good. He experienced trial by fire, starting every game at left tackle his rookie season after Tyron Smith got hurt in training camp and missed 13 games. To the surprise of many, this young lineman suddenly had everyone on notice. This past season, he slid over to left guard as the team originally intended and produced an All-Pro season. Not too shabby.</p>
<p id="BuSRWN">On the other side of the line was Terence Steele. In his first year as the team’s undisputed starting right tackle, he played extremely well and was a borderline Pro Bowl-caliber player before suffering a knee injury late in the season. Despite the injury, the Cowboys loved what they had in him and gave him a five-year extension before the start of the 2023 season. A once precarious situation turned out okay, but it didn’t happen by luck.</p>
<p id="FQ7Ek4">The Cowboys already knew they had someone they could trust with Steele, so moving away from Collins was no skin off their nose. Not only that, but they had a strong feel for the talent layout in the draft and felt confident they could get a good player. Smith may have felt like a reach to some, but it wasn’t to them.</p>
<p id="j1Yw2U">Fast forward to now and the Cowboys face a similar situation. This upcoming draft class is loaded with instant starters at the tackle position; Taliese Fuaga, Amarius Mims, and Troy Fautanu, to name a few. A player like Arizona’s Jordan Morgan could be right there for the picking at 24th overall just as Smith was two years ago.</p>
<p id="DD2unn">And don’t discount what the team sees in Brock Hoffman. Just like Steele in 2022, he’s an UDFA entering his third season. The team already has a good look at him and may feel perfectly content with him being their starting center going forward. As mentioned before, Hoffman got two starts last year and played relatively well. We already <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2023/7/23/23804324/cowboys-contract-extension-tyler-biadasz-undrafted-free-agent-brock-hoffman-training-camp">mentioned him as the one player who could make the Cowboys have second thoughts about extending Biadasz</a> and this looks to be exactly what’s happening. It’s also worth noting that T.J. Bass took reps at center throughout the season last year so he should be included in the mix as well.</p>
<h5 id="D6wAxB"><em>In last week’s episode of 1st and 10, Tony Catalina and Aidan Davis had the privilege to interview Brock Hoffman as he provided a behind-the-scenes look at what he went through last season.</em></h5>
<div id="kEIRCs"><iframe frameborder="0" height="200" scrolling="no" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=VMP4884625952" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<h5 id="SGuOZ6">
<em>Make sure to subscribe to the Blogging The Boys podcast network wherever you get your podcasts so you do not miss any of our episodes or shows across the network! </em><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blogging-the-boys-for-dallas-cowboys-fans/id1169821159"><em><strong>Apple devices can subscribe here</strong></em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3xz5DmRtIGDYws8tv15c6v"><em><strong>Spotify users can subscribe here</strong></em></a><em>.</em>
</h5>
<p id="EkMBWy">Looking ahead, the Cowboys offensive line could look like this...</p>
<ul>
<li id="9TIkbc">LT 24th overall pick</li>
<li id="Go8MKA">LG Tyler Smith</li>
<li id="7RNjVG">C Brock Hoffman/T.J. Bass</li>
<li id="JNKRt4">RG Zack Martin</li>
<li id="qmI6cs">RT Terence Steele</li>
</ul>
<p id="RkPfq0">The Cowboys have drafted four offensive linemen in the first round since 2011, and all four of them have turned into All-Pros, so if they have another go at it again this year, you have to like their chances of once again scoring a great player. Of course, it helps to have a talent-rich draft class to work from.</p>
<p id="b7wsO3">The interesting thing about the group above is that only the future Hall of Famer Martin is more than 26 years of age. While some are worried about the crisis the team has created, we might be witnessing a youth movement as they quietly remodel the offensive line.</p>
<p id="vT23tz"></p>
<p id="6lSVQ6"></p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/18/24103432/dallas-cowboys-offensive-line-crisis-tyron-smith-tyler-biadasz-brock-hoffman-tj-bass-draftDan Rogers2024-03-18T06:00:00-05:002024-03-18T06:00:00-05:00Cowboys news: Free agent Noah Igbinoghene joins Dan Quinn, Commanders
<figure>
<img alt="New England Patriots v Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jVe4_fDcnHs5TF2zbJ64t9IgbCs=/0x0:6054x4036/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214661/1717044648.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The latest in Cowboys news. </p> <h2 id="nHvnUA">
<a href="https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-2024/group?id=e7886a9e-ea66-4673-810e-8a591a4ba931"><strong>Join our BTB March Madness contest</strong></a>!</h2>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lrKo5G">
<h3 id="ouoG1t"><a href="https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/updates-march-2024">Updates: Igbinoghene latest to join Commanders - Dallas Cowboys.com</a></h3>
<p id="VZRCB6">The Cowboys lost another free agent to the Commanders. </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="9H5Hd4">The exodus of <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> players heading to the <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/">Washington Commanders</a> to reunite with Dan Quinn was halted by Jourdan Lewis and CJ Goodwin, but Noah Igbinoghene has reignited it.</p>
<p id="XQuWA3">The former first-round pick is expected to sign with the Commanders, per multiple reports, ending his short stay in Dallas.</p>
<p id="KUzHsV">Igbinoghene arrived in Dallas by way of a trade with the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> last season that sent former second-round pick Kelvin Joseph to South Florida in exchange for that team’s former first-round pick.</p>
<p id="eX9qw4">The former would earn defensive game reps early in his stay, along with playing a role on special teams, but the majority of his short stint in Dallas was spent on the inactives list. Igbinoghene scored the first touchdown of the season in 2023, returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown in season-opener against the Giants. </p>
<p id="JLWvNI">Igbinoghene becomes the fourth player to move from the Cowboys to Commanders this offseason, joining Durance Armstrong, Tyler Biadasz and Dante Fowler. </p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="ypTjlc"><a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2024/insider/story/_/id/39739325/2024-nfl-draft-free-agency-takeaways-impact-prospects">2024 NFL draft takeaways from free agency signings, trades - Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, ESPN</a></h3>
<p id="XdeGEa">The Cowboys went in another direction than most of the RB-needy teams. </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="9uV3oM"><strong>Teams with RB needs don’t seem to be waiting for the draft.</strong></p>
<p id="WBd5Tu"><strong>Miller:</strong> If your favorite NFL team had a need at running back (unless you’re a Dallas fan), chances are it added a starting-caliber back within the first few days of free agency thanks to a deeper class of talent than we’re used to seeing in March. That group included <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3929630/saquon-barkley">Saquon Barkley</a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4047365/josh-jacobs">Josh Jacobs</a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3043078/derrick-henry">Derrick Henry</a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3916148/tony-pollard">Tony Pollard</a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/3068267/austin-ekeler">Austin Ekeler</a> and <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4259545/dandre-swift">D’Andre Swift</a>. Sure, most of the deals were one- or two-year contracts, but teams hurried to get their guy. And in just about all of these cases, they were able to land starter-level talent for under $10 million per year.</p>
<p id="jNBXFd">But this is also about the weak running back draft class. There is no <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4430807/bijan-robinson">Bijan Robinson</a> or <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4429795/jahmyr-gibbs">Jahmyr Gibbs</a>. We might only see a few backs — Texas’ <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4678008/jonathon-brooks">Jonathon Brooks</a>, Tennessee’s <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4682745/jaylen-wright">Jaylen Wright</a> and <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a>’s <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4429275/trey-benson">Trey Benson</a> — get drafted in the <em>second</em> round. Brooks is my top-ranked runner at No. 46 overall. I started covering the draft in 2011, and I’ve never had a class’ RB1 ranked lower. Some of it is based on positional value and how the league has depressed the running back market, but there are definitely question marks around the top backs this year. Teams know it and have acted accordingly in free agency.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="RfavHn"><a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-cowboys-add-assistant-head-coach-to-al-harris-title">Report: Cowboys add assistant head coach to Al Harris’ title - Charean Williams, PFT</a></h3>
<p id="aFG7jb">Respect.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="lD5TIk">The Cowboys blocked defensive backs coach Al Harris from interviewing for a job on Dan Quinn’s staff earlier this offseason.</p>
<p id="JoNiGm">They since have rewarded Harris.</p>
<p id="hrVBfT">Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports the Cowboys have added assistant head coach to Harris’ title.</p>
<p id="jkqxJf">Harris, 49, could be in line for a defensive coordinator job in the near future.</p>
<p id="7p9nmB">He took his first coaching job in 2012 as an intern for the Dolphins. Harris then went to Kansas City to coach the Chiefs’ secondary from 2013-18.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="7HAXNS"><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10113153-best-fits-for-nfls-most-intriguing-available-2024-free-agents">Best Fits for NFL’s Most Intriguing Available 2024 Free Agents - David Kenyon, Bleacher Report</a></h3>
<p id="uaaHyn">Stephon Gilmore is still out there. </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="zlGob7"><strong>Stephon Gilmore, CB</strong></p>
<p id="cxiUFF">When a player suits up for four different teams in four straight years, that typically isn’t a good thing. Stephon Gilmore is an exception to that rule, though.</p>
<p id="FnXpUj">The veteran cornerback has been consistently great at each stop, most recently for the Dallas Cowboys. He yielded <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GilmSt00.htm">6.9 yards per target</a> and a passer rating of only 82.7 in 2023, ending the season with 13 pass breakups and two interceptions.</p>
<p id="wTUTJN">Dallas should consider keeping him, although the return of Trevon Diggs after DaRon Bland’s breakout year complicates that picture.</p>
<p id="yqreB1">Beyond the Cowboys, any number of corner-needy defenses should be talking to Gilmore. Detroit is in the process of overhauling its cornerbacks room, and the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> could use a veteran at the position after ranking 24th against the pass last year.</p>
<p id="WDGYRH">The Washington Commanders, who hired Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their new head coach, would be another strong fit for Gilmore.</p>
<p id="BCH35h"><strong>Best Fits: </strong>Dallas Cowboys, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders</p>
</blockquote>
<h2 id="fPdxa4"><strong>Blogging The Boys Podcast Network and YouTube Channel</strong></h2>
<p id="C1Tj08">We offer two different shows every single weekday on the Blogging The Boys podcast network, and another one on Saturday to start your weekend.</p>
<ul>
<li id="KKjM0z">Monday<em>: 1st and 10 with Tony Catalina and Aidan Davis</em>
</li>
<li id="AVPYZ4">Monday: <em>Press Coverage with Brandon Loree and Jess Nevarez</em>
</li>
<li id="wCgO8P">Tuesday<em>: The Writer’s Block with David Howman, Brandon Clements and Chris Halling</em>
</li>
<li id="iM7vCE">Tuesday<em>: Hidden Yardage with Sean Martin and Jess Haynie</em>
</li>
<li id="6GCsdM">Tuesday<em>: BTB Roundtable with various BTB Staffers</em>
</li>
<li id="q8lnOZ">Wednesday<em>: NFC East Mixtape with RJ Ochoa and Brandon Lee Gowton</em>
</li>
<li id="b829TE">Wednesday<em>: Talkin’ The Star with Connor Livesay and Joey Ickes</em>
</li>
<li id="AJZjhN">Thursday<em>: The Ocho with RJ Ochoa</em>
</li>
<li id="yeztrI">Thursday<em>: Ryled Up with Roy White and Tom Ryle</em>
</li>
<li id="jz44QI">Friday<em>: Girls Talkin’ Boys with Kelsey Charles and Meg Murray</em>
</li>
<li id="IzQ0FV">Friday<em>: The Star Seminar with Danny Phantom and Rabblerousr</em>
</li>
<li id="VPrlAz">Saturday<em>: The World’s Team with Paul Stewart and Mike Poland</em>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="VxOu5n">The Blogging The Boys podcast network is available on all major podcast platforms.</p>
<p id="YBM9DC"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blogging-the-boys-for-dallas-cowboys-fans/id1169821159">Subscribe here on Apple devices</a>.</p>
<p id="jIJCp5"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3xz5DmRtIGDYws8tv15c6v">Subscribe here if you are a Spotify user</a>.</p>
<p id="0oATu6"></p>
<p id="DdDu4U"></p>
<p id="rk31o4"></p>
https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2024/3/18/24104526/dallas-cowboys-news-free-agent-noah-igbinoghene-joins-dan-quinn-commanders-al-harris-stephon-gilmoreDavid Halprin