The Dallas Cowboys have added more depth to their interior offensive line, signing free agent guard Xavier Su’a-Filo today.
The 33rd pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Xavier played four seasons with the Houston Texans. He started 41 of 56 games at left guard, earning the full-time job until his rookie contract expired last year.
Su’a-Filo had signed with the Tennessee Titans in the offseason but did not make it past final cuts.
The #Cowboys signed G Xavier Su’a-Filo, former #Texans second rounder, per @schwartzfeinsod
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2018
Last week, Dallas brought Xavier in for a workout when they learned that Parker Ehinger would have to go to injured reserve. However, with only a few days until Sunday’s game, the Cowboys opted to bring back Kadeem Edwards to fill the roster spot.
More than likely, Edwards will be heading back to the street to make room for Su’a-Filo. Dallas probably thought Kadeem would be the better addition for Week 1 given his system familiarity and the lack of practice time available.
While rookie Connor Williams did not have a great start to his NFL career against the Panthers, it would be early to assume this move has anything to do with him. It is probably just about improving depth, which Dallas tried to do with Ehinger already.
However, if Williams’ struggles continue, there is now another former 2nd-round pick in house who might get get a shot at the job.
Williams looks more like an OG project right now than starter. Remember he played OT in college, and simply did not look ready for NFL-level DT’s yesterday. Nor did Looney look good.
Unless Frederick gets back, this is looking like a long, low-points year for the offense. The spread sets on long downs are welcome, but one of the 5 eligible has to be Elliott. He was out of the game for empty sets yesterday. They need to use him like Marshall Faulk. 18 touches yesterday, not enough.
Carolina did not rotate down on Beasley and he looked like 2016 again, 7 catches. The only positive on offense. Dak is now under immediate scrutiny after some bad missed throws and indecisiveness about when to tuck under.
I think his poise will settle him down and just run plays & let the game come to him. But this is also on Garrett, Linehan and Moore to take a right approach to his coaching.
I appreciate the fact, that the Cowboys coaching staff is attacking the offense issues early in the regular season. I wouldn’t be surprised if Filo stsrts at Left Guard, in place of Williams to let Williams ge his body developed for the rigors of the NFL. Next year he will be ready to deal with the defensive tackles of the NFL.
Filo will help keep Dak upright and open up running lanes for Zeke. Without the other offensive lineman having to over extend in reading the defense of the other team. Just my two cents worth.