In the 2021 off-season, the Cowboys made a move to sign former Falcons safety Keanu Neal. A first-round pick for Atlanta back in 2016, Neal quickly made a name for himself as a hard-hitting safety who was a force in the run game. A crucial member of Atlanta's defense under Dan Quinn, he was a Pro Bowl selection in 2017.
Unfortunately, his career took a turn when he tore his ACL in the first game of the 2018 season. He would miss the rest of the season before returning in 2019. This return would be short-lived however as he then tore his Achilles tendon three games into the season.
While he would return in 2020, he was not quite the same player. However, when he signed with the Cowboys in 2021, many considered it a good move. Signed to a one-year, $5 million contract, Neal got the chance to reunite with Quinn who was now the Cowboys' defensive coordinator. Due to injuries potentially sapping some of his athletic ability, Neal was moved down to linebacker.
Keanu Neal is heading to Tampa Bay
In 2021, Neal played quite often for the Dallas defense. In fact, he played 61% of the defensive snaps en route to 72 tackles, four tackles for loss, and one sack. Despite the considerable playing time, Neal was not an effective player when on the field. Given a 35.9 PFF Grade, he was a replaceable player throughout the season.
As such, the Cowboys did not make a huge effort to re-sign him. Instead, Neal will be heading to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who just recently lost starting safety Jordan Whitehead. Neal will also be switching back to his original position of safety for the Buccaneers as they look to once again fortify a defense capable of winning a Super Bowl.
For Dallas, the search for more linebackers continues. While Leighton Vander-Esch and Micah Parsons are returning for 2022, it is certainly a group that lacks depth. With veterans such as Donta Hightower and Kyle Van Noy still available, it remains to be seen whether Dallas will address the group through free agency or the draft.
