Despite the signings of Gerald McCoy, Dontari Poe and the drafting of Neville Gallimore (3rd round), the Dallas Cowboys could still stand to add more depth at the defensive tackle position ahead of the 2020 season. Someone who makes quite a bit of sense and has a history with Head Coach Mike McCarthy is Mike Daniels, formerly of the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.
From 2012 to 2018, Mike Daniels bolstered the Green Bay Packers defensive line under the guidance of then HC Mike McCarthy. Things changed in 2019 though. Daniels would spend the season with the Detroit Lions, while McCarthy took a nearly year-long sabbatical away from the game altogether. Fast forward to present day, and it’s Daniels who is looking for a job.
Daniels, who turns 31 today (May 5), is an eight year veteran who has 235 tackles and 30 sacks to his name, along with a Pro Bowl appearance in 2017. He may have only appeared in nine games with the Lions last season due to injuries, but I believe he still has plenty left in the tank. In fact, he still managed a respectable 70.1 grade from Pro Football Focus in his shortened 2019 season.
The Dallas Cowboys currently have Gerald McCoy (3-tech) and Dontari Poe (1-tech) penciled in as the starters on the interior their defensive line, but behind them things are far less clear. Trysten Hill – last year’s second-round pick – and Neville Gallimore will likely duke it out to become McCoy’s primary backup, but right now there’s really no one on the current roster behind Poe.
Someone who could earn the job is last years starting one-technique, Antwaun Woods, but he has yet to sign his exclusive free agent tender. If/when he does sign it though, he likely becomes Dontari Poe’s primary backup. His hesitancy to put ink to paper though could possibly result in him looking for another team to play for in 2020.
The Dallas Cowboys new coaching staff may prefer someone they’re more familiar with. Antwaun Woods was better than average over the last few seasons, however, the Cowboys aren’t going to wait forever for him to make up his mind. They might want to go ahead and shore up their DL and that’s where Mike Daniels comes in.
Mike Daniels’ addition would immediately bolster the Cowboys DT depth and give them another pass rushing threat from the interior. Pass rush is something Antwaun Woods unfortunately doesn’t offer much of, only 1.5 sacks in three years. Add it all up, and Daniels could very well be somebody the Cowboys make their next free agent addition.
I must say that I like the Mike Daniels resume’ a lot more than that of Antwaun Woods. Signing Daniels seems like no-brained.
I completely agree. Mike Daniels can play up and down the defensive line and provides more pass rush ability then Antwaun Woods.
Only of Woods doesn’t sign should they look outside for help. Woods is younger and probably cheaper than Damiels. 1 Tech tackles, should be relatively easy to find. Why pay more of so-so production?
I think Daniels is an upgrade and might not cost much more than veteran minimum. But you’re right, if Woods signs his exclusive rights free agent tender the Cowboys likely stick with him.
Woods will play for Dallas, get traded or play nowhere else. He is restricted.
I will roll with Woods. I think he could be a long term solution for us.
I also like his nasty disposition and energy. Stand pat.
I don’t think Woods has a long-term future with the Cowboys beyond 2020 IF he signs his exclusive rights free agent tender.
I still have my heart set on Snacks. & Golden or Griffin at DE.
All three definitely makes sense, but I think it’s longshot they join the Cowboys.
OK, since we are just throwing out our wish lists, I would like to see the Cowboys go get LB Clay Matthews, DE Everson Griffen and S Eric Berry. My second tier would be DT Damon Harrison, CB Logan Ryan and S Reshad Jones.
All good names, but I think Mike Daniels has a better chance than any of them to sign with the Cowboys. Clay Matthews may be a close second.
Daniel’s would be an upgrade over the human blob “Woods”. But Dallas is ok with either one. But if they want real D-line help Everson Griffen is the ticket. He would complete the Cowboys line. The dude is a Stud. Come on now Jerruh, get er done.
I agree about Daniels. I however don’t see the Cowboys going after Everson Griffen. He would without a doubt be an upgrade, but he’d also be a progress stopper.
I really loves dat E. Griffen dude. He does got it all. His arms is like paint buckets, legs like wild hogs. He is a bad man. Faster than greased rails. Wear the star Mr. Griffen.
Interesting scouting report on Griffen LOL
Never heard of him.
Well now you have… You’re welcome LOL
Just get rid of Crawford please. That’s all I need. He’s a joke
Crawford may be a little overpaid, but the Cowboys DL really missed him in the lineup last year. He’s a lot better than a lot of people would lead you to believe. I doubt he’s going anywhere this year.
We need to beef up that middle,that had bin a huge weakness ,its huge so are LB. Can run ,move jaylon to rush end , go get the.qb
They’ve already beefed up the middle of the DL and adding Mike Daniels would also help in that area. I don’t think they’re going to move Jaylon Smith unless it’s from MIKE to WILL LB.
get Crawfish to take a pay cut and we can sign Griffen. If not, cut him & sign both Daniels and Griffen
The Cowboys can afford to sign Griffen or anyone else without Crawford taking a pay cut.