Despite missing most of 2020 due to injury during his one-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys, veteran Offensive Lineman Cam Erving is still garnering interest in free agency. One report has Erving working on a new contract to join the Carolina Panthers when the market officially opens on Wednesday.
Erving joined the Cowboys last year to become the new “swing tackle” behind Tyron Smith and La'el Collins but also provide depth at other positions. Since being a 1st-round pick by Cleveland in 2015, Cam has played at every spot on the line both in starting and backup roles.
But with Collins missing all of 2020 with a hip issue and Smith missing 14 games after neck surgery, Erving was rarely part of the solution. He too was battling health problems last year and only appeared in six games.
Cowboys should be thrilled about this. Erving didn't practice much of camp. His season began with MCL sprain to one knee. After five starts, ended with MCL sprain to other. Any return wouldn't have involved a contract near this value. Now could help them get a compensatory pick. https://t.co/I3rehkh9rc
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 15, 2021
This allowed younger prospects like Brandon Knight and Terence Steele to get lots of work while the veterans were hurt. With his one-year deal now expiring, Erving was unlikely to get a lucrative offer to return to Dallas.
If this rumored deal with Carolina holds true, it certainly is more than Cam could've expected from the Cowboys.
As the tweet above alludes to, Erving's supposed new contract could actually help the Cowboys in 2022 as it factors into the formula for compensatory picks. Depends on who Dallas adds in the coming weeks in free agency, Cam's departure could be worth an extra 6th-round pick in compensation.
As long as players like Knight, Steele, and Connor McGovern are continuing to develop in their backup duties, the Cowboys shouldn't miss Cameron Erving. Hopefully he has better luck with his next team at staying healthy and providing help when needed.
