Believe it or not, but the Dallas Cowboys seem to be testing the waters in free agency and look to be in hot pursuit of at least three free agent safeties.
The Cowboys are scheduled to visit with free-agent safeties Damontae Kazee and Malik Hooker next week, according to multiple sources. Both players are coming off Achilles’ tears suffered last season. Kazee played for new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn… https://t.co/prtaKkblCH
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 19, 2021
The Dallas Cowboys have devalued the safety position over the years, but it seems as if the arrival of Dan Quinn has changed that way of thinking. The visits scheduled with both Damontae Kazee and Malik Hooker signifies a change in philosophy, which could net the Cowboys an upgrade at the safety position for the 2021 season and beyond.
Having played his entire professional career under Dan Quinn with the Atlanta Falcons Damontae Kazee has been linked to the Dallas Cowboys for quite a while. His familiarity with Quinn’s system makes him a natural fit at free safety, which could give him a leg up on the competition. But, I wouldn’t rule out Malik Hooker though.
The former 15th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts is one of the most physically gifted free safeties in the entire league. A poor scheme fit in Indianapolis and reoccurring injuries has kept him from showcasing his talent on a consistent basis, but it’s those God-given talents the Cowboys are looking to tap into.
Both Damontae Kazee and Malik Hooker should be considered upgrades to the Dallas Cowboys secondary if they can rebound from their Achilles injuries and remain healthy moving forward. Signing either one of these two would be a good move, but not one that should keep Dallas from targeting the position at some point in the NFL Draft.
Surprisingly enough though, Damontae Kazee and Malik Hooker aren’t the only FA safeties the Dallas Cowboys are showing an interest in. According to reports they are in deep talks with Keanu Neal, another former player under Dan Quinn with the Atlanta Falcons.
Cowboys are among the NFL teams deep in talks with ex-Falcons S Keanu Neal. He'd be a weak-side linebacker here. "A real sincere interest from both sides," source said. DC Dan Quinn part of the draw in Dallas. But team has competition. Situation to watch.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 19, 2021
The Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets are reportedly the two teams in the running for Keanu Neal. Odds are the Cowboys would be his favored destination, but like with just about everything where he decides to sign will more than likely come down to money.
What’s really interesting here is the fact Keanu Neal could be a weak side linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys. Previously under Dan Quinn he was utilized as a strong safety and played a prominent role in and around the scrimmage, so the position switch isn’t all that far-fetched. It will be really interesting to see how he’s finally utilized if he does indeed sign with the Cowboys though.
To see the Dallas Cowboys finally show some serious interest in upgrading the safety position after years of just about ignoring it warms my heart. Dan Quinn obviously is being consulted on personnel decisions and I think we can thank him for Dallas’ changed mindset in regards to the safety position. Let’s just hope it pays off.
