The theme for the off season thus far for the Dallas Cowboys has been simple. Working on the principle that the 2015 season was completely lost due to injuries, and that the current roster is much closer to the 12 win team of 2014, they have put an emphasis on keeping that very roster in tact through re-signing their own free agents.
Jack Crawford is the latest addition to this list, as the third year defensive end has signed a new one year deal to remain in Dallas. After visits with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers, Crawford decided his best fit was with the silver and blue.
The Cowboys have agreed to a one-year deal with defensive end Jack Crawford, according to a source. He visited… https://t.co/6LK8B9GRTx
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) April 4, 2016
The Cowboys certainly value the production they have gotten out of Crawford since his signing in 2014. Although he has just 6 sacks with the team, Jack Crawford is a valuable piece of the puzzle when it comes to Rod Marinelli rotating in defensive linemen.
With the ability to rush the passer from both defensive end and tackle, Crawford is a great guy to be able to lock up for 2016. The defensive end position as a whole was one for major concern entering free agency, but Dallas now has the following players that are capable of taking snaps from that spot:
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With the addition of a rookie early on in the upcoming draft, this rotation could certainly surprise a lot of people in 2016. Randy Gregory will also be welcomed back after serving a four game suspension to start the year. Most importantly, they expect to be playing from behind less thanks to the offense welcoming back Tony Romo and adding guys like Alfred Morris.
With that comes more chances to get after quarterbacks, something Jack Crawford will be doing for at least one more year in Dallas.
Four sacks as a backup, especially considering they use him inside, is pretty solid. I like Crawford a lot and am very happy we retained his services.
Definitely, and you have to love the approach by this front office from a numbers stand point when it comes to pass rushers. If you don't have one guy that's going to get you 12-15 sacks, lock up 5 guys that can get you 4-5 (all of the guys in the table above). Then add in another big season from Lawrence and you already surpassed 2015 production – effectively accounting for the real possibility that Gregory gives you nothing thanks to his suspension and drug history. If they get 12 games of a focused Gregory though? Well, look out Eli.
The also have some dude named Randy Gregory. Just not for the first four games. Go Cowboys!