The Dallas Cowboys drafted J.J. Wilcox in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Georgia State – where he primarily played running back. Four years later, after getting some of his best production at SS in 2016, Wilcox has departed the Cowboys for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent.
Cowboys free agent S J.J. Wilcox has agreed to join Tampa Bay on a two-year deal for up to $8.5 million, per source. Cowboys down 2 safeties
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) March 11, 2017
There was some hope that, amidst the flurry of signings the Cowboys made yesterday, Wilcox would find a deal to stay with the Cowboys. However, early reports that his locker was already cleaned out and that the Cowboys were not pursuing him as he visited the Bucs and Seahawks ultimately led to his signing in Tampa Bay.
The Cowboys also lost Barry Church early in free agency to the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving star FS Byron Jones with only Jeff Heath and Kavon Frazier alongside him.
Loyal Cowboys Nation members have been vocal about wanting to see Jeff Heath play in a bigger role in the Dallas secondary, and the Cowboys are also hopeful that Frazier can make the most of his opportunities this off season.
For now, another key piece from the Cowboys’ defense of a year ago has signed elsewhere as J.J. Wilcox is taking his talents to the NFC South and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Obi Melifonwu looking real good now With Wilcox and Church both leaving. I know he only has a 2ND round draft grade on him bout were picking 28th It’s almost the 2ND round He might not last till our 2ND pick He’s an upgrade over Church and Wilcox and His body frame is freakish, 6’3 216lbs Him and Byron played together at Uconn. Let’s get it done
I actually have Melinfonwu a round below this on my board with a 3. Better physical specimen than safety on tape. Would be really interesting to see him paired with Byron again though.