The Dallas Cowboys like to shop in the bargain bin for free agents, and every once in a while, it works out. Is the new linebacker they picked up from the free agent pool no different?
The new linebacker addition is Nick Vigil, an eight-year veteran who brings experience and physicality to the defense.
Let’s look at Nick Vigil’s career and see what he can bring to the linebacker position.
A look at Nick Vigil’s career.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Nick Vigil of Utah State in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He was the 87th pick and the 11th linebacker taken in the draft.
During the Bengals’ preseason, coaches were quick to notice the striking similarities between Nick Vigil and the Carolina Panthers’ superstar linebacker, Luke Kuechly.
He played four seasons with the Bengals, accruing 295 total tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.
Following his time with the Bengals, Nick Vigil bounced around the league.
In 2020, he played for the Los Angeles Chargers; in 2021, he was a Minnesota Viking; in 2022, he joined the Arizona Cardinals; and in 2023, he played with the Minnesota Vikings.
During his stint with these teams, he was plagued with injuries and relegated to spotty playing time and special teams.
Over the last few years, the injuries have significantly affected his ability to impact these defenses.
A Reunion with Mike Zimmer.
Nick Vigil will have the opportunity to play for Coach Mike Zimmer again, the Dallas Cowboys new defensive coordinator.
Nick Vigil will bring experience with Coach Zimmer’s defensive scheme. This experience will help him guide the younger linebackers and get them where they need to be on the field.
Having a big linebacker in Vigil, who is 6’2 and 239 lbs, will give the linebacker corps a little power, and he has been known to use the hit stick on offensive players.
A big linebacker will help stop the run, which was a significant point of emphasis on improving this year.
His experience will also boost special teams. This will be a benefit in being able to flip the field position.
Can Nick Vigil turn back the clock?
If the Dallas Cowboys get a rested and healthy Nick Vigil, he will be an asset the defense didn’t know it needed.
His size, speed, and tackling ability will aid in defensive stops and allow players like Micah Parson to move around the defense.
The team could expect about 4.5 tackles per game, along with about 0.2 tackles for a loss.
These numbers may not seem spectacular.
Throughout a season, a backup linebacker with these statistics would accumulate around 77 tackles and 4.5 tackles for a loss per game.
Those are respectable numbers for a potential backup.
If the Cowboys can get 2019 Nick Vigil, the defense will get a stud who collected 111 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and five pass deflections.
This could be a steal of a pickup if Vigil can turn back the clock.
Current Linebacker Depth.
According to the 2024 depth chart, the current linebacker unit consists of potential starters Erik Kendricks, DeMarvion Overshown, and Damone Clark.
The backup linebackers are Willie Harvey Jr., Buddy Johnson, Jason Johnson, Damien Wilson, and rookie Marist Liufau, in no particular order.
The starters should be a fast and athletic group of linebackers. Behind them, the defense could use more experience, which is what Nick Vigil will bring.
The linebacker room is an unknown at this point, so the competition for backup spots will be fierce.
Nick Vigil is coming in rested and understands what is needed to stay. If he can show that his play on special teams is superior, he can make the team.
The experience of going through training camps and preseasons will help Vigil catch the coaches eye.
Nick Vigil is a journeyman at this point in his career. Journeymen have been known to contribute to teams at a high level.
The Dallas Cowboys front office has become experts at finding castoffs. Making them into players who are big-time contributors is on the coaches.
Could Nick Vigil be the next cheap free agent the Cowboys to make the team?
Nick Vigil has every opportunity to do so with relative unknowns at the position in the offseason.