Adding talent to the defense is among the top priorities for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. Every level of the defense has questions, and there is a not a ton of talent to work with at the moment.
Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has his hands full. Two top-50 draft picks and four top-100 selections will give the Cowboys a few opportunities to add talent to that side of the ball.
It does not make much sense for the Cowboys to wait until draft weekend to add to the defense, though. There are too many holes that must be addressed. Relying on rookie defenders isn’t the greatest strategy, either.
The defensive tackle free agent class is starting to clear up. Dalvin Tomlinson, a player that we highlighted, inked with the Minnesota Vikings. Malcolm Brown was traded from New Orleans to Miami. Poona Ford re-signed with the Seahawks. Ndamukong Suh seems like a sure-bet to re-up with the Buccaneers.
That is the position that the Cowboys had to invest some resources in this offseason. Unfortunately, quality options are signing elsewhere.
COWBOYS SIGN TEXANS DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Finally, Dallas added a player to the defensive tackle rotation. The Cowboys have reportedly agreed to terms with former Houston Texans defender Carlos Watkins on a one-year deal. ESPN’s Todd Archer was among those that reported the news.
The Cowboys have announced they have agreed to a deal with defensive lineman Carlos Watkins, who started 11 games last season with the Houston Texans. He had 27 tackles and two sacks with four tackles for loss in 2020.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 18, 2021
The Clemson Tigers product made 27 tackles and recorded two sacks a season ago. Watkins joins a defensive tackle room that includes veteran Antwaun Woods, 2019 second-rounder Trysten Hill, and 2020 third-round draft pick Neville Gallimore.
Overall, that is not very much talent at a position that has been among the weakest on the roster for some time. Gallimore flashed at times during his rookie season. Hill finally showed glimpses of his potential before tearing his ACL in week five. Woods is a solid, reliable body in the middle.
Adding a body in the draft should be required.
COWBOYS TE HEADED TO KANSAS CITY
Additionally, more Cowboys-related free agency news happened on Thursday morning. Tight end Blake Bell is headed to Kansas City after playing one season with the Cowboys. Bell grabbed 11 catches for 110 yards in 2020, serving primarily as a blocker for Dallas.
Bell has bounced around in the NFL after being a productive player at the University of Oklahoma during his collegiate career. The tight end played for the Chiefs in 2019, winning a Super Bowl with Kansas City.
Now, he’s headed back to play with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and company.
Perhaps Bell’s departure opens the door for a fun NFL Draft possibility. We can dream, can’t we?
On one hand, I would’ve liked to keep Blake Bell. He fit a specific role here well, and wouldn’t have been too expensive.
But on the other hand … 🤔🤔🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/8vRsIMYmam
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) March 18, 2021
To summarize, the Dallas Cowboys inked a defensive tackle in free agency while watching a tight end sign with an AFC squad.
Stay tuned to A to Z Sports Dallas as we keep you updated on all things Dallas Cowboys and free agency.
Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
