Dallas Cowboys are ignoring the free agency. Not a single move. A standstill. They like it that way. But recent market development might make them one of the participants. Arizona Cardinals released safety Tyrann Mathieu. Many teams are already interested in this player and Cowboys must join the race for his signature.
Like always, the first obstacle is money. America’s Team would have to create cap space for Honey Badger. And we can’t be sure whether they are ready to do so. But, The Boys were interested in Sammy Watkins who signed a three-year $48 million contract with Chiefs, so there’s hope.
Signing DeMarcus Lawrence to a franchise tag was their biggest move in the offseason. Other steps include re-signing of Brian Price and placing a second-round tender on David Irving. Dallas Cowboys, like we are already accustomed, build through the draft, re-sign their FA and look for filler players.
This is considered as playing it safe, but it has backfired on Cowboys more than once. Players such as Cedric Thornton, Nolan Carroll, Stephen Paea, and Damontre Moore were all signed in FA as cheap veterans, but their contribution was minimal. Money not spent wisely.
Now, after Cardinals released Mathieu, Cowboys have a chance to make a splash in free agency. Big money, yes, but for a game changer. What’s even greater is that Big D franchise needs a safety. They are rumored to have interest in Earl Thomas, and he’s in the same pay-grade as Honey Badger. Only 25-years-old Mathieu is NFL’s premium safety. He’s a Pro Bowler who’s entering his sixth season in the league. A commodity that is rare in today’s NFL.
During 2017 Mathieu recorded 78 tackles, seven passes defended, two interceptions, and a single sack. He played in all 16 games. His best season came in 2015 when we could see this guy disrupting opposing offenses with 89 combined tackles, 17 pass defends, and five interceptions. He also had one sack and one touchdown.
Having a player that can do this on Cowboys young secondary would elevate it to a whole another level. Put leagues best pass rusher Lawrence up front, and you get a terrifying defense. But, like we mentioned there’s the question of money. Honey Badger was released because he refused to take a pay cut. In 2017 he signed a five-year $62.5 million deal. This year he was projected to earn a whopping $10.75 million.
Not a cheap acquisition but one wort every penny. Cowboys need to break the bank and take a risk with Tyrann Mathieu.
