The Dallas Cowboys still have a lot to do this offseason if they want to contend for the NFC East. Here are three free agents that they should target.
The Dallas Cowboys failed to live up to their “champions of the offseason” reputation last year, as they finished third in the NFC East with a underwhelming 6-10 season. The Cowboys entered this offseason again with the question of whether they could sign quarterback Dak Prescott to a contract extension. Shockingly, they got it done before the franchise tag deadline, signing Prescott to a four-year, $160 million deal.
The Cowboys have made some moves at the start of the new league year but still sit with over $13 million in cap space as of this writing. There is enough money for them to make a big splash if they choose, or they can fill out some needs on the defensive side of the ball. Here are three players they should consider signing this offseason.
Cowboys: Three free agents for Dallas to target this offseason
3.
Keanu Neal
S Atlanta Falcons
The Dallas Cowboys have a need at the safety position with Xavier Woods entering the open market. Luckily for the Cowboys, there are plenty of safeties for them to choose from (we’ll get to that a little later). One of those is Keanu Neal of the Atlanta Falcons.
Neal was stellar in the first two seasons of his career, but he missed the majority of both the 2018 and 2019 campaigns after tearing his ACL and Achilles tendon. The defensive back did manage to log a nearly full season in 2020, where he accumulated 100 total tackles (nine for loss), two defended passes, one sack and one interception.
There is a connection between Neal and the Cowboys, as ESPN’s Josina Anderson noted the team has had “preliminary interest” in him. Considering there are other teams interested in his services, the Cowboys should step things up and make him an offer.
2.
Kyle Fuller
CB Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears may very well have gifted a stud cornerback to the Cowboys. With the Bears looking to free up some money this offseason, they shockingly opted to part ways with top cornerback Kyle Fuller on Thursday.
Sure, the Cowboys did re-sign Jourdan Lewis to a multi-year deal and are in position to draft one of the top cornerbacks in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft in Caleb Farley or Patrick Surtain. But let’s not forget that owner Jerry Jones wants to win another Super Bowl, and Fuller could put the Cowboys over the edge.
Last season, Fuller recorded 65 tackles, eight defended passes, one interception and one forced fumble. Additionally, Fuller allowed a completion percentage of 55.4 (46 catches on 83 targets) while surrendering 527 passing yards and five touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference.
Fuller should be a target for the Cowboys this offseason, but they will have some heavy competition from the Denver Broncos, per NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo.
1.
Anthony Harris
S Minnesota Vikings
If the Cowboys really want to go big this new league year, then they should make a push for former Minnesota Vikings safety Anthony Harris.
Back in 2019, Harris opened eyes around the league by securing a league-high six interceptions. With Harris set to become an unrestricted free agent, the Vikings placed the franchise tag on him to remain with the team on a $11.4 million salary for the 2020 season. This past season, Harris failed to tally a single interception. However, he only surrendered 21 catches for 262 yards and four touchdowns on 36 targets, per Pro Football Reference.
Harris is a top-tier defensive back and would be a tremendous addition to the Cowboys’ secondary. With the quarterback situation in the NFC East far from imposing, Harris could have a field day playing for Dallas.