Cowboys Urged to Sign Projected $69 Million Ex-Draft Bust
In trying to explain the lack of activity from the Dallas Cowboys at the opening of NFL free agency last month, team VP Stephen Jones suggested that sitting out the first few days of the process was wise because teams tend to overpay, and the shrewd bargains can be had once the dust settles.
The dust has settled, though. And the Cowboys have still done precious little on the market despite glaring needs at running back, receiver, linebacker, and the defensive line. Perhaps the most glaring need: Offensive line, where mainstay left tackle Tyron Smith was lost to the Jets and center Tyler Biadasz has left for Washington.
That’s 40% of the offensive line gone, including the most important spot in the group. The Cowboys could move Tyler Smith over to tackle from left guard to replace Tyron Smith, though coach Mike McCarthy has said the initial plan is to leave Smith where he is. Either TJ Bass or Chuma Edoga could wind up with the starting nod, with third-year player Brock Hoffman taking over at center.
Maybe there is another solution, though: Dusting off the little-used free-agent pen and signing massive former Jets first-round pick Mekhi Becton.
Cowboys Could Benefit From OL Depth
That’s the notion from Bleacher Report, in an article on Sunday titled, “1 Free Agent Still on the Market Who Can Help Each NFL Team in 2024.” For the Cowboys, that free agent is Becton, whose ability to play multiple spots on the line is a strong suit. He was a right tackle in college and has played there in the NFL, but was primarily a left tackle.
“Right now, Tyler Smith is projected to make the switch from left guard to left tackle but signing Becton could keep the All-Pro at his best position. Even if Dallas wants to leave Smith on the edge, the former Jet has experience playing right tackle after making a couple of starts there last season and dating back to his college days at Louisville.”
Becton could be the answer, then, at a number of positions on the offensive line, and could be had at a low cost. Pro Football Focus projects him warranting a one-year, $5 million contract. That’s probably about what he would get at this point, given the lack of cap space out there.
