The Dallas Cowboys are undergoing a lot of changes, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Dan Quinn, the Cowboys’ former defensive coordinator, will be seen twice a year with the Washington Commanders for the foreseeable future after the team’s rival appointed him as head coach. He also hired Joe Whitt Jr., secondary coach and passing game coordinator, as Washington’s new defensive coordinator.
Quinn was instrumental in turning around the Cowboys’ defense, which allowed 29.6 points per game in 2020. During his tenure as defensive coordinator for the Cowboys, the defense finished in the top ten in terms of points allowed, ranking fifth in 2023. The Cowboys ranked seventh in total yards allowed and tied for 12th in turnovers. The Associated Press awarded him the Assistant Coach of the Year in 2021.
“I want to thank Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Coach Mike McCarthy, and the entire Dallas Cowboys organization for the past three seasons,” Dan Quinn said in a statement. “The players, coaching staff, and everyone else in the organization became like family in such a short period of time. We have a big challenge ahead of us, but the ownership group, Adam, and I are all on the same page about putting in the work to reach our goal of regularly competing for Super Bowls year after year.”
With multiple Cowboys ready to test free agency, it’s probable that they’ll see some of their former teammates, namely Dante Fowler Jr., on the Commanders’ sideline with Quinn.
Fowler has a long history with Quinn. He coached the previous third overall pick at Florida before joining the Atlanta Falcons. Quinn eventually led Fowler to the Cowboys, where he recorded 10 sacks in two seasons.
Going to the Commanders is only logical for Fowler. He’s certainly a preferred personnel pick, and Dallas’ next coordinator may not feel the same way. That being said, the Jones family remains the true constant in their recruiting, and Fowler has been a valuable addition.
Dallas Cowboys are expected to trade for Joey Bosa in a blockbuster move.
Dallas Cowboys’ Joey Bosa
Whether Fowler departs or stays, the Cowboys would tremendously benefit from having another outstanding pass rusher who can break loose when Micah Parsons is double-teamed or is expected to block for the opposing offense.
Dallas has a good pass-rusher group led by Parsons, but Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine believes they need to elevate the group even higher with Bosa.
“Joey Bosa appears to be a viable option among available players across the league… [The Chargers] would free up $14.4 million in cap space and likely acquire a first-round selection to replace him in the process of dealing him. On February 7, Ballentine wrote, “Acquiring him is the type of risk the Cowboys may have to take to join the elite echelon of the NFC.”
The majority of the danger is based on Joey Bosa’s health. He has had more than his fair share of injuries in the NFL. However, when he does hit the field, he remains an outstanding sack producer.
Trading a first-round choice would be a hefty investment, and the Dallas Cowboys aren’t without cap worries. But Bosa would give them two (possibly exceptional) pass rushers, which is worth considering.
The 28-year-old has only played 14 games in the last two years, but he has nine sacks. Bosa is unquestionably still capable of going. However, Los Angeles has to consider their situation due to how much money they’ve spent for an oft-injured player.
It appears expensive. Dallas could restructure his deal after the trade, spreading out that cost over multiple void years. The Cowboys could get his cap hit down to $10-12 million a season, which is far more reasonable.
They might potentially simply extend his contract to ensure his long-term availability. However, committing to an injury-prone athlete who will turn 29 during the 2024 season may be a step too far.
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