Though they were crowned kings of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys may not be done improving their roster this offseason.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox detailed one move each Super Bowl contender should still make this offseason, saying that former Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen should be in the Cowboys’ plans.
“Former longtime Minnesota Vikings starter Everson Griffen should be option No. 1. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler, and he should fit tremendously in Dallas’ 4-3 base defense after playing in a similar four-man front in Minnesota.”
Of course, this sounds like an incredible idea. Griffen tallied 8 sacks while starting 15 games for the Vikings just last season, and even as a 32 year old pass rusher he still has plenty left to give for the Cowboys.
Dallas found success a year ago when adding a veteran pass rusher in Robert Quinn, who parlayed his one cheap year in Dallas for a much more lucrative contract with the Chicago Bears.
But how realistic is it that the Cowboys could add Everson Griffen? Our own Brian Martin wrote about the chances a couple weeks back, asking the all important question: is this a pipe dream?
“Behind closed doors, I really think the Dallas Cowboys are happy with the current bodies they have at the defensive end position. They’ve got a good mixture of veteran leadership and youth at their disposal in 2020, which makes the likelihood of signing Everson Griffen a long shot in my opinion.”
I do agree with Brian that the Cowboys like the guys they currently have on the defensive line. DeMarcus Lawrence goes without saying, but even players like Dorance Armstrong and Tyrone Crawford have gained their own fan-clubs throughout the organization. Still, with a new coaching staff in place, prior expectations or hopes for someone like Armstrong may go out the window to open up a spot for Griffen.
Defensive ends Randy Gregory and Aldon Smith are both on the team, though each is awaiting reinstatement from the league to even be eligible for the 2020 season.
It feels pretty late in the game for the Cowboys to go and add what many would consider to be a starting defensive end. But, then again, if he’s on the open market – why not?
If you believe this team is really just “one piece” away from a Super Bowl, then I do feel that of all the remaining free-agents, Griffen is about the only one who would truly provide that edge that isn’t already on the roster.
Others being considered don’t really offer much over what we currently have. Clowney isn’t that dynamic and will most assuredly get overpaid and leave after 1 season … why waste that time when he isn’t really an upgrade over Quinn, who himself didn’t take this team to the next level?
Clay Matthews? Please … lets move on from this one …
Logan Ryan? Maybe, but at this point I wouldn’t pay him too much for too long because I’m cool with riding with what we have. And we just want a CB for a year or two, why not Talib?
Cameron Wake and Ezekiel Ansah are older one-year guys who might be able to provide the same thing Griffen does?
Oddly enough, and believe it or not, from a pure impact perspective it might just be Eric Berry.
I like this team as is, and barring injury I’m fine with the team being done with additions.
If Aldon Smith is NOT reinstated – Dallas’ depth on the DLine will suddenly look paper-thin.
I can see Everson Griffen being a target should Aldon Smith remain persona non grata.
We shall see.