The Dallas Cowboys did not select a defensive tackle last weekend in the 2018 NFL Draft, which was considered one of their biggest needs going in. Today, former Cowboy Terrell McClain was released by the Washington Redskins. Could Dallas reunite with the veteran free agent?
The Redskins have cut defensive lineman Terrell McClain, per source. The Redskins signed him last offseason, but just drafted two linemen this past weekend: Da'Ron Payne in the first and Tim Settle in the fifth. McClain had three years left on his… https://t.co/X6xswSzuhh
— John Keim (@john_keim) April 30, 2018
Terrell McClain being released shows how much fit matters in the NFL. Was a perfect fit for DAL but didn't fit what WAS did at all.
— John Owning (@JohnOwning) April 30, 2018
McClain started 15 games for Dallas in 2016 as the “1-technique” defensive tackle and performed very well. The Cowboys allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL that season.
Terrell turned that season into a four-year, $21 million contract with Washington last season, which was more than the cap-strapped Cowboys could afford to pay to keep him.
But the Skins tried use Terrell as a 3-4 defensive end and not the 4-3 DT that he played in Dallas. His performance suffered as a result, and now he’s back in free agency.
In McClain’s absence last year, Dallas used several different players in the 1-tech role.
Maliek Collins moved over for most of the year and ended up not being the same player as his standout rookie season, when he was playing as the 3-tech with McClain by his side. Young prospects like Richard Ash and Brian Price also played the position at times, but never with Terrell’s consistency.
With Terrell McClain turning 30 in July, Dallas might decide it’s better to keep developing their youth. But there’s no guarantee that any of them could play on his level.
Of course, there’s also nothing that says McClain is still the same guy. He’s two years older and maybe not as motivated after getting a nice payday from Washington.
Dallas had opportunities to take a 1-tech in the draft and didn’t, so they may feel better about their current talent than we realize. But if not, a reunion with Terrell McClain could make a lot of sense.
So what would he cost to bring him back?
I would imagine very little, unless there are other teams bidding on him.
Typical redskins, they only wanted him because he was a cowboy. They do it every year, scandrick being the most recent. I’d bring him back in and see how he looking, DT and S are still the biggest hole for this team even after the draft
Behold the Cowboys new again 1 tech DT. Now trade the 2nd or 3rd pick from next year’s draft for ET, or simply sign Tre Boston and the off-season is done
he was a perfect fit?! how the heck do we know, he barely played. spent half his time injured.
we don’t need him, let him go somewhere else and waste space
He started 15 regular season games in 2016 and only missed one for veteran rest in Week 17. Also started the playoff game. He was the “run stuffer” for the top ranked rushing defense in the NFL that year.
Yes, he had injury issues the two years before that. But calling him a “waste of space” is pretty ignorant.
what’s ignorant is you thinking he can come back here a be anything better, if he was that good why didn’t we pay him to stay? fact is he was a waste of time, under performer who was hurt all the time.
he’s been on 4-5 teams in his 8 yr career, missed almost almost 3 yrs worth of games…..yeah definitely a waste of space!
With Jihad Ward, is it even realistic to get Terrill back. Will McClay wanted to draft Jihad, which I believe was the last year they had Terrill. Jihad was also a 2nd round pick that ended up in a 3/4 verses a 4/3. So let’s see. A Will McClay pet cat. 2nd rounder traded for a late 4th rounder. DT needed that can stay on the field. My money is on Ward.