

In 2021, he racked up 137 tackles and two sacks. Last season, Jones appeared in 11 games with the Cleveland Browns, finishing with 44 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception.

He is already familiar with Quinn's system and showed in 2022 that he's still a highly productive defender. Micah Parson's ongoing transition from linebacker to edge-rusher only increases Dallas' need for depth at the position.ĭeion Jones remains a prime candidate for the Cowboys, given his experience under Quinn with the Atlanta Falcons. Though the Cowboys brought back linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and drafted DeMarvion Overshown in the third round, it would be wise to add another dependable run defender to the second level of the defense in the coming weeks. While Dan Quinn's unit was mostly reliable in 2022, run defense was an issue.ĭallas ranked 22nd in rushing yards allowed last season and went 6-6 in games in which they surrendered 100 or more rushing yards, including the playoffs. Most of Dallas' fifth-ranked scoring defense returns intact, but that doesn't mean that there isn't room for improvement. McKissic and Leonard Fournette.Ĭowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch Sam Hodde/Getty Images The list of free-agent running backs still available also includes Dalvin Cook, Kareem Hunt, J.D. It would still be smart to add some experience to the backfield ahead of camp, and bringing back Elliott does remain an option. On a positive note, Pollard stated that he was "a little bit ahead of schedule," back in June, per NFL.com's Eric Edholm. Rico Dowdle is also on the roster, though he's traditionally been more relevant on special teams. 2022 undrafted rookie Malik Davis and sixth-round rookie Deuce Vaughn are likely near the top of the depth chart, with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers castoff Ronald Jones II also in the mix.
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Dallas has a Pro Bowler in Tony Pollard, but he's still recovering from leg surgery and has little experienced depth behind him. However, the need for running back depth remains.

With Mike McCarthy taking over for Kellen Moore as the playcaller, Elliott's absence looms larger.ĭallas doesn't have a proven starting tight end, but in McCarthy's West Coast-based system, the offense will likely rely on receivers more in the passing game. The Cowboys lost two key starters on offense in tight end Dalton Schultz and running back Ezekiel Elliott-though Elliott remains unsigned. Cowboys RB Tony Pollard Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
