Defensive tackle has been perhaps the most-talked about position of need for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. The Cowboys hold a top-10 draft pick to add a solid cornerback, but free agency was the chance for Dallas to bolster the defensive line.
Top defensive tackle targets Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, and Poona Ford are all off the market. It was wishful thinking that the Cowboys would spend the money required to add any of those three, unfortunately.
The Cowboys signed former Houston Texans defensive lineman Carlos Watkins to a one-year deal on Thursday. Watkins played all 16 games for Houston a season ago, totaling 27 tackles and a pair of sacks.
Dallas isn’t done adding to the defensive line. The Cowboys have signed another defensive tackle to the roster.
COWBOYS INK FORMER BEARS DEFENDER
In addition to Watkins, the Cowboys have signed former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Brent Urban. None other than Urban’s wife broke the news of the defender inking with the Cowboys.
The #Cowboys have agreed to terms with defensive linemen Brent Urban to a 1-year deal, per source.
— Kate Urban (@Kate_KanSkate) March 18, 2021
Urban is known as strong run defender, something that the Cowboys have been lacking in the middle of the defense. The 29-year-old Virginia product has played for the Bears, Titans, and Ravens over the course of his career — spending the last season-and-half in Chicago.
A 2014 fourth-round draft pick, Urban made 36 total tackles, three tackles-for-loss, and 2.5 sacks with the Bears. He started eight games for a defense that is among the most talented in the National Football League.
Furthermore, Urban grades out pretty well on Pro Football Focus, particularly against the run. Urban received a 79.5 overall grade from PFF. His run defense was graded at a very solid 85.3.
New Cowboys DT Brent Urban played 16 games in CHI last year, started 8.
Here's his PFF thingies. pic.twitter.com/eI9yedyqwN
— Jeff Cavanaugh (@JC1053) March 18, 2021
This is not a signing that is going to make many headlines or catch much attention. That said, the Dallas Cowboys appears to have made a strong signing in Urban.
The Cowboys desperately need to improve in stopping the run. Urban should help in that area.
Brent Urban who was a mid-season signing for the #Bears last year has proved his worth this season.
A solid interior guy who seemingly is always disrupting things in the backfield for opposing offenses. #DaBears pic.twitter.com/bYrGb9ESVE
— Bears Nation (@BearsNationCHI) December 21, 2020
Overall, the Dallas Cowboys have seemingly added a low-cost defensive tackle that should help shore up the run defense. Urban joins Antwaun Woods, Neville Gallimore, Trysten Hill, and Carlos Watkins in the defensive tackle rotation.
Featured image via Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
