Over the last couple of weeks, the Dallas Cowboys free agent pursuit has really picked up. No, you’re not dreaming, and I’m not kidding.
Since August 1st, the front office has signed a few players who could become really important to the defense this season. When you add in these recent signings with Dallas’ moves in the spring, you’ve got a decent collection of additions.
Eric Kendricks
Andrew Booth
Jordan Phillips
Carl Lawson
Linval JosephNone of these players are head-turners, but if just a couple contribute, think of how well this fits with the four All-Pros the Cowboys already have on defense.
— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) August 22, 2024
While we still have a lot of 53-man roster predictions going on, it is safe to assume at least two of the recent signings will make the cut.
The question is, who falls into being a depth piece, and who steps up into a major starting role. With some signings, like Ezekiel Elliott and Eric Kendricks, it is obvious they will play a major role. But what about guys like Carl Lawson?
That’s what we’re here to answer today. Let’s talk about which Cowboys free agent signing will shine the brightest in 2024.
Eric Kendricks: Star of the Free Agent class
Well, he was just mentioned, and it would be silly to not lead with him considering the question at hand.
Kendricks, 32, would be falling into the background in most situations. “Good veteran presence in the locker room, but his best days are behind him.” That kind of thing. In Dallas, however, he’s gotten a resurgence of importance.
The linebacker corps has been a massive weakness for the Cowboys for some years now, and despite some promising young guys, Kendricks will be leading the group.
He’s one of three guys with experience in the Mike Zimmer system (more on both of the other guys later), he will be calling the plays on defense, and if he fails to reach 100 total tackles, it would be seen as a disappointment.
Eric Kendricks.
Whoa. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/o0t4NKx1qY
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 8, 2024
In short, there are few players more important on defense than Eric Kendricks this season.
Because of the massive opportunity he will have, it is easy to see a world where he is the Cowboys free agent pickup that shines the most in 2024.
The question will come down to his age; is he too far past his prime for that role?
Linval Joseph: The Most Recent Signing
Of course, the one of the guys I was referring to a bit earlier was former Vikings Pro Bowler, 15-year NFL veteran, and the newest Dallas Cowboy, Linval Joseph.
On Wednesday, the front office finalized a 1-year, $4M deal with the 35-year-old defensive tackle. This marks his fourth team in four years, after stints with the Chargers, Eagles, and Bills since 2021.
The #Cowboys are finalizing a deal with DT Linval Joseph, as @JosinaAnderson reported. Source says he gets $2.5 million guaranteed and can earn up to $4 million in his reunion with DC Mike Zimmer. pic.twitter.com/glNu03U18j
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 21, 2024
I think this signing will present an interesting debate for the fanbase. If you’re somewhat plugged-in to the NFL, you remember Joseph well.
He was a force with Zimmer and Minnesota for years, and alongside guys like Everson Griffen, that defensive line became one of the nastiest in football.
On the flip side, his last Pro Bowl nod was seven years ago.
Joseph has certainly passed his prime, and you can’t blame him, he was drafted in 2010. I was seven years old when that happened. Does that say more about Joseph’s age or mine? I’m not sure, but there’s no denying it was a long time ago.
That said, I see a potential semi-resurgence for Joseph in 2024. Reconnecting with Zimmer and having young guys like Osa Odighizuwa and Mazi Smith in front of him will ease his workload.
The #DallasCowboys defensive line:
– DeMarcus Lawrence
– Osa Odighizuwa
– Mazi Smith
– Micah Parsons
– Marshawn Kneeland
– Jordan Phillips*
– Carl Lawson*
– Linval Joseph*Three new additions in one week. On paper…that’s scary. #DallasCowboys @BloggingTheBoys
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) August 21, 2024
That means his role will essentially be coming in for a few snaps and pushing the pocket; whether it be against the run or pass, I trust him to do just that at a high rate.
Nick Vigil: Performing isn’t always flashy
Another member of the August Cowboys free agent frenzy, veteran Linebacker Nick Vigil, is being slept on by far too many fans.
It was just a few years ago that Vigil, 31, scored 85 total tackles with 12 stars for the Vikings under Zimmer. Since then, his stock has fallen quite a bit, only starting in 2 games over the past two seasons, but this role with Dallas could spark his performance.
He impressed me in his preseason debut with the Cowboys, and I really feel he could end up as LB4 on the 53-man roster.
The #Cowboys signing veteran LB Nick Vigil shouldn’t be overlooked.
Vigil played under Mike Zimmer and Paul Guenther in Minnesota, and Guenther raved about him when the Vikings signed him in 2021.
“He can play all three of the linebacker positions, he’s very smart…he’s a guy… pic.twitter.com/UFWk5OW7ns
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) August 6, 2024
That spot on the depth chart would give him a pretty significant chance at meaningful snaps, and he would also be able to contribute on special teams, which could be his saving grace in terms of making the roster.
Vigil is an impressive player in the special teams role, and with the new kickoff rules, that holds more weight than it ever has before.
My point is, don’t forget about this guy. They targeted him for a reason.
Linebacker is a weak spot, there are some unproven names ahead of him, he offers two different ways he can contribute (defense and special teams), and if Kendricks goes down at any point, he is the perfect veteran to step up with his Zimmer-experience.
