FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 03: Tarrell Basham #93 of the New York Jets directs the defense in the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys are adding former New York Jets outside linebacker Tarell Basham in hopes of improving their pass rush.
The Dallas Cowboys are beginning to make their free agency moves following the Dak Prescott frenzy. They agreed to terms on a contract with the franchise quarterback for four years and up to $165 million last week. The aftermath started on Tuesday when now-former Cowboys cornerback Chidobe Awuzie agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. While that ought to have a major effect on their secondary, Dallas has turned their attention to their pass rush.
According to Cowboys reporter Michael Gehlken, Dallas is signing former New York Jets outside linebacker Tarell Basham. The deal is reportedly a two-year contract worth up to $6.5M.
How Tarell Basham helps the Dallas Cowboys
The 26-year old spent the last two seasons in New York and started in nine games last year. He managed a career-high 36 tackles and 3.5 sacks while also finishing second on the team with 13 QB hits and three forced fumbles.
A third-round pick out of Ohio University in 2017, Basham only played in one game for the Indianapolis Colts in 2018 before being picked up on waiver wires by the Jets. In his first full season with the Jets in 2019, Basham made 22 solo tackles, six assists, two sacks, and one interception, resulting in his career-high PFF grade of 73.1.
Last season, Basham had another solid defensive season as he recorded 19 solo tackles, 12 assists, four sacks, and three forced fumbles. He comes with experience playing as a 4-3 defensive end. He ranked 30th among edge rushers last year so the Cowboys certainly hope he can bring some heat off the edge for them.