Good OL Free Agency: Cowboys Keep Joe Looney, Lose Xavier Su’a-Filo

Earlier today, the Dallas Cowboys lost one of their top backup offensive lineman when Guard Xavier Su’a-Filo signed a deal with the Bengals. But that loss has been more than mitigated now that the Cowboys have re-signed Joe Looney to a one-year deal.

Looney started all 16 games at center in 2018 during Travis Frederick’s absence and helped Dallas make the playoffs. He also can play guard and has been a key backup for the team since 2016.

While not as critical as Looney, Su’a-Filo has started 12 games the last two years and was an exceptional depth option for the Cowboys.

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Keeping Looney on the roster is a big offseason win for Dallas. He allows the Cowboys to let Connor McGovern, last year’s 3rd-round pick, develop without the pressure of having to assume all of Joe’s previous duties,

The Cowboys also re-signed G/C Adam Redmond last week. The trio of Looney, McGovern, and Redmond gives them a strong core going forward for interior line depth.

Many, including me, did not expect Joe Looney back in Dallas in 2020. It seemed that he would be able to find a chance at a starting job somewhere given how he performed two years ago.

While much is changing on parts of the Cowboys’ roster, this continuity on the offensive line is welcome.