Since then, Wilkins has started 77 games for the Miami Dolphins, including every game over the last three seasons. He was the 13th overall pick in the 2019 draft. Wilkins is an excellent run defender, ranking 10th among interior defensive linemen (with at least 500 snaps) in run defense last season, according to Pro Football Focus. And since it’s arguably the Cowboys’ biggest position of need, an upgrade at DT would be an outstanding move. Wilkins might be the next-best defensive tackle available. But Jones re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday night. There’s not a more “all in” move than putting Jones in the middle of Mike Zimmer’s defense. Christian Wilkins, DT (6)Īlthough it’s highly unlikely that the Cowboys would’ve had a realistic shot at signing him, Chris Jones would’ve been the most impactful addition Dallas could have made from this free-agency class. But already having younger players in Clark and Overshown - both 23 - it seems like a good idea to add a veteran to the mix. The Cowboys need help at off-the-ball linebacker, which they could address in the draft. He signed a two-year, $11 million contract extension in March of 2022. He has been a starter the last four seasons, finishing with more than 100 tackles each of the last two seasons.
Jewell, 29, was a fourth-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018. He’s another potential fit as a veteran linebacker who could be a leader to a young group. (Tork Mason / USA Today) Josey Jewell, LB (126) If Zimmer thinks Kendricks still has plenty to offer, this pairing makes a lot of sense.Įric Kendricks collected 117 tackles last season, his eighth consecutive with at least 100. He played seven seasons for the current Cowboys defensive coordinator.
The biggest reason he is mentioned here is because he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings when Zimmer was their head coach. He finished with 117 tackles, which was second on the team, and 3 1/2 sacks. The 32-year-old played in 15 games last season, starting 14. Kendricks signed a two-year, $13.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers last March. This would likely be a more affordable option at the position. A trio of Wagner, Damone Clark and DeMarvion Overshown looks pretty good on paper. Dallas’ defense needs an experienced field general in the middle, especially with the uncertainty of Leighton Vander Esch’s NFL future. And that seems like a move that would be worth it. Could the Cowboys maybe get him for one year at $4 million? Possibly. He played for the Seattle Seahawks last season on a one-year, $5.5 million deal. He’ll be 34 in June, but he’s coming off a year when he was named second-team All-Pro. A veteran off-the-ball linebacker is even more of a need this year. He would’ve been a great fit in Dallas last season.