The Dallas Cowboys were a little more active in free agency this year than they have been in years past. Maybe it was due to the fact they were ushering in a new coaching staff or maybe because they had several holes to fill on their roster. Regardless, these new faces are expected to contribute right away. But, which of the 2020 free agent signings will end up being the most important?
Right off the bat you're probably thinking Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy will end up being the most important FA signing by the Cowboys. He definitely carries the “big name” that right away catches the attention, however, he's probably not quite the dominant player he once was. Nonetheless, he still an upgrade, but I don't know for sure if he will end up being the most impactful.
Maybe it will be someone like Tight End Blake Jarwin, who will be replacing Jason Witten as a full-time starter. Or maybe Center Joe Looney, who will more than likely start in the place of Travis Frederick once again like he did in 2018. All logical choices, yet I think the underrated FA signing of Daryl Worley is a player we should all keep an eye on.
With the departure of Cornerback Byron Jones and Safety Jeff Heath, the Dallas Cowboys secondary is minus two starters from a year ago. A veteran player like Daryl Worley, who has experience at both safety and cornerback, could be invaluable for the Dallas Cowboys as they attempt to rebuild the backend of their defense.
Worley was a former third-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2016 and has since spent time with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders. Although he's bounced around the league a bit, he does bring some much-needed veteran experience and versatility with him to Dallas. As of yet though, his role with the Cowboys is still unknown.
Neither the safety or cornerback position for the Dallas Cowboys is set in stone right now. The starters at safety is a little more clear with Xavier Woods and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, but at CB things are completely up in the air. Anyway you look at it, the current state of the Cowboys CB position is surrounded by a cloud of uncertainty right now.
Minus Byron Jones, the Dallas Cowboys pretty much have the entire CB band back together heading into the 2020 season. They also doubled down at the position in both free agency (Daryl Worley, Maurice Canady) and the NFL Draft (Trevon Diggs, Reggie Robinson). Sadly that depth has already taken a hit with Canady opting out the season, which makes Worley all the more important in my opinion.
Daryl Worley's veteran experience means the Cowboys don't have to throw Trevon Diggs or Reggie Robinson to the wolves right away. Even in a regular offseason with a full rookie minicamp and training camp it would've been ill advised to trot out some inexperienced rookies right away, but even more so in a shortened one.
Worley allows the Cowboys to bring their rookie CBs along slowly instead of forcing them into action before they're ready. The veteran DB also provides depth at the safety position as well. Add all of that up and you get an invaluable chess piece who can be utilized in a variety of roles. That is why I think he could be Dallas' most important free agent signing this year.
