Only two outside free agents have been signed by the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. They have refocused their efforts to re-sign their own players, following their long-standing team-building strategy.
Two new faces have arrived in Dallas with low-risk one-year contracts that won’t eat too much cap space.
We’re left to wonder, after a few quiet days, who might be the next free agent addition for the Cowboys? Although Bobby Wagner and Tyrann Matieu are the most prominent names in the news, it would surprise us if the Cowboys don’t try to sign one.
One defensive free agent comes to mind, and it fits the Cowboys offseason strategy. He’s well-known in the league but circumstances could make him a priority for the Cowboys’ front office.
Let’s get started.
Hicks was ranked as the 32nd most free agent of 2012 by The Athletic, and the 8th best available currently. He would be a great fit for the Cowboys’ defensive line. The former Chicago Bear is an affordable option, even though he has been in the league since 2012 with 138 career games.
Hicks, 32 years old, has missed 20 games in his last three seasons. This will likely reduce his market value and make it difficult for him to join the Cowboys. PFF currently projects that , the veteran tackle will sign for $8.5M annually.
Although defensive tackle isn’t the most important position on the Cowboys roster, they have a few serviceable players. As of today, the DT room includes Neville Gallimore and Osa Odighizuwa as well as Quinton Bohanna and Quinton Bohanna.
The Cowboys made a significant move in signing Watkins to a 1-year contract. This was due to how Watkins fit into Dan Quinn’s defense. Dallas can still add talent to its defensive line because Watkins was signed to a veterans salary benefit contract.
Hicks is versatile and can play three-technique, if necessary, as he did in Chicago.