The Cowboys did not make any big splashes during the first week of free agency, but they were still a little busy during it. They began to bolster some areas of the defense that needed a little help last season.
The first signing of the week was the former Rams long snapper Jake McQuaide. This signing seemed like it was more about special teams coordinator John Fassel getting the guys he liked in Los Angeles. This was a bitter-sweet signing, because it marks the end of L.P. Ladoucer’s career in Dallas. Ladoucer was only two games away from Jason Witten’s record of consecutive games played.
Next, the Cowboys looked to get some much-needed depth on the offensive line by signing a one-year deal with former Bills offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe. Nsekhe is a Texas native and grew up in the Arlington area. He was in 25 games with the Bills, but only started in one game and is probably going to be a backup for the Cowboys.
Defensive line help was clearly a need for the Cowboys since they signed three new linemen. They added defensive linemen Carlos Watkins, Brent Urban, and edge rusher Tarell Basham.
Carlos Watkins previously played for the Texans where he had 69 tackles and four sacks in 42 games.
Brent Urban is probably the most successful defensive lineman that the Cowboys picked up. The former Bears player had the 3rd best run defense grade in the league last year according to Pro Football Focus.
The last piece added to the defensive line was former Jets edge rusher Tarell Basham. Last season in New York Basham had 3.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in his nine starts. He has mostly been a rotational player throughout his career.
The last guy signed was probably the biggest name that the Cowboys have signed so far. Former Falcons safety Keanu Neal agreed to a one-year deal with Dallas. Keanu Neal has spent his career in Atlanta under Cowboys new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
Neal has been a safety, but there is a chance the Cowboys may move him to weakside linebacker. Last season Neal started in 14 games and finished the year with 100 tackles, one interception, and one sack. Neal also appeared in a Pro Bowl in 2017.
There is still more time in free agency and the Cowboys already have plans to meet with more players including safeties Damontae Kazee and Malik Hooker. Dallas is not usually known for making big moves in free agency so there are not high expectations, but you never know.
