In 2021, the Dallas Cowboys had an explosive pass-rush duo. On one side they had the always dangerous DeMarcus Lawrence. Although he played in just seven games last season, he is still one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. Opposite him was former second-round pick, Randy Gregory. Although his career has had many ups and downs, he is still a quality pass rusher when on the field.
At first, it appeared as if the Cowboys were going to be able to keep this duo together. While Gregory was a free agent, Dallas reportedly agreed to a five-year, 70 million dollar contract extension. Alas, he quickly changed his mind and signed the same contract with the Denver Broncos. After claiming that Jerry Jones “acted in bad faith” during the negotiations, Gregory will now be playing elsewhere.
Of course, the Cowboys will now have to find another pass rusher to play opposite Lawrence. In fact, they have already started adding pieces. The biggest addition so far has been that of Dante Fowler. A member of the Jaguars, Rams, and Falcons in the past, this will be Fowler’s fourth team. With an average of five sacks a season, Fowler has never lived up to his draft status.
Looking elsewhere, the Cowboys will have options. With plenty of veteran talent available, names such as Jerry Hughes, Jadeveon Clowney, and Melvin Ingram jump off the list. However, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Dallas could have interest in a former division rival.
#Cowboys could go with multiple veteran pass-rushers in free agency to help offset loss of Randy Gregory. They've got Dante Fowler in the fold, and there's interest in Jason Pierre-Paul, as well.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 20, 2022
Does Jason Pierre-Paul fit with the Cowboys?
The player mentioned by Fowler was, of course, Jason Pierre-Paul. Cowboys fans likely don’t have many fond memories of the former New York Giant. During the eight years he spent in New York, Pierre-Paul racked up 58.5 sacks, 122 tackles for loss, two Pro Bowls, and an All-Pro nod. Traded to the Buccaneers in 2018, he has still been a valuable pass rusher. Through four years in Tampa Bay, Pierre-Paul has 33 sacks and even earned another Pro Bowl selection.
At 33 years old, it is entirely likely that Pierre-Paul’s best days are behind him. This is exacerbated by his poor statistical output in 2021. Starting in twelve games for the Buccaneers, he had just 2.5 sacks. While sacks are certainly not the only quantifier of success, he also earned a meager 49.1 grade from PFF.
For the Cowboys, Pierre-Paul may be a perfect fit. At his advanced age, he will likely be on the cheaper end of the spectrum. His poor play in 2021 will have an effect there as well. He is also a solid veteran addition for a team that is looking to contend in 2021. Likely to rotate often with Fowler, he could be a bounceback candidate playing opposite Lawrence.
