Earlier today, the Dallas Cowboys lost one of their top backup offensive lineman when Guard Xavier Su'a-Filo signed a deal with the Bengals. But that loss has been more than mitigated now that the Cowboys have re-signed Joe Looney to a one-year deal.
Looney started all 16 games at center in 2018 during Travis Frederick's absence and helped Dallas make the playoffs. He also can play guard and has been a key backup for the team since 2016.
While not as critical as Looney, Su'a-Filo has started 12 games the last two years and was an exceptional depth option for the Cowboys.
Bengals have agreed to terms with offensive lineman Xavier Su'a-Filo for a three-year deal worth $10 million, per source.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) March 18, 2020
The Cowboys and center/guard Joe Looney have agreed on a one-year deal, according to multiple sources. Looney has started 20 games in his four seasons with the Cowboys, including all 16 in 2018 when he took over for Travis Frederick. Looney can play… https://t.co/7OPJ4YbWgC
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 19, 2020
Keeping Looney on the roster is a big offseason win for Dallas. He allows the Cowboys to let Connor McGovern, last year's 3rd-round pick, develop without the pressure of having to assume all of Joe's previous duties,
The Cowboys also re-signed G/C Adam Redmond last week. The trio of Looney, McGovern, and Redmond gives them a strong core going forward for interior line depth.
Many, including me, did not expect Joe Looney back in Dallas in 2020. It seemed that he would be able to find a chance at a starting job somewhere given how he performed two years ago.
While much is changing on parts of the Cowboys' roster, this continuity on the offensive line is welcome.
