Slow start to free agency? Not so much. The Dallas Cowboys have been busy adding several players on the open market over the past few days. They signed Brent Urban and Tarell Basham to help the Cowboy’s defensive line and also snagged former Atlanta Falcons Safety Keanu Neal on a one-year deal on Saturday.
The Cowboys are executing their offseason plan nicely, but on Friday, one of the best defensive tackles over the last decade became available. The Cincinnati Bengals released Geno Atkins after 11 seasons with the team.
Bengals releasing DT Geno Atkins. pic.twitter.com/AoGySFqiR3
— NFL (@NFL) March 19, 2021
Atkins was a fourth-round pick out of Georgia in the 2010 NFL draft and has vastly outperformed where he was picked. He’s amassed 75.5 sacks during his career (three seasons of double-digit sacks), been named an All-Pro four times, made eight Pro Bowls, and was selected to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
Not only can Atkins rush the passer but he can provide support against the run as a 1-technique, and seeing as the Cowboys were 31st in that area last season, it makes him an intriguing option. Also, he’s coming off of a shoulder injury that cost him 8 games so he would be a cost-effective add as well.
The time Atkins missed last season shouldn’t concern anyone too much considering he played in all 16 games in nine of his first 10 seasons so his availability has been very good. Combining him with veteran Antwaun Woods, Neville Gallimore, and Trysten Hill would give the Cowboys something to work with on the interior of their defensive line, and wouldn’t stop them from adding to the position in the NFL draft.
There’s no telling if the Cowboys would even entertain the thought of Atkins. However, considering his experience, ability, and the small number of dollars it will more than likely take to sign him it should be something the Cowboys deliberate over.
Absolutely they should, but they won’t
Agree, sign him, but as Kevin said, they won’t.
Go and draft one. No more 1 year players. Got to build for the future
I 100% want to sign him , he’ll help our Run D SIGNIFICANTLY
I wish we get him….but we fucken suck when it comes to free Agency…every year Disappointing
Jerry n his son r stupid they wont
Uh duh yea sign him. Certainly seems like a no brainier compared to our other FA signings, especially if he isn’t asking for too much money.
Yeah let’s go draft another Tristen Hill, completely disagree with drafting a rookie DT in weak DT class. Drafting for the future when the future produces nothing has been the trend for the last 25+ years
I think we should definitely think we should move on this free agent. I believe this would bolster the d-line even more.
I real thank, Dallas should purse Geno for defense for depth and experience that would be a strong move. Lets get him Cowboys.
No doubt find a way to bring this guy in!!!
Y’all are all dumb, Is he better than gerald mccoy that was signed last year???? Shouldn’t they resign him instead of atkins? He already knows locker room.
Yes, let’s try to sign Geno Atkins! Even if it’s only for one year. Run defense would become better instantly. Get rid of Xavier Woods and Jaylon Smith immediately!!! That would further upgrade the defense. Hopefully Patrick Surtain is still on the board at number 10, and Jerry Jones and his son have the good sense to take him. Diggs and Sustain would solidify the cornerback position for years possibly.
Run defense yes I agree the boys need to upgrade, but Gino Atkins I think his best years are behind him now, and he’s just not a good fit. If Gerald McCoy is back healthy I think they should resign him, he can help the team way more better than Atkins can.