In exactly a week, March 18, the 2020 new NFL league here begins, meaning teams can start signing free agents. The Dallas Cowboys will be pretty active in free agency, but the majority of their attention will be focused on retaining some of their own. There are a few outsiders I think they should target, one of which could be exactly what they're looking for to help solidify the safety position.
Enter former Los Angeles Chargers Safety Adrian Phillips.
Adrian Phillips is someone I identified as a potential free agent target for the Dallas Cowboys last year, but unfortunately he re-signed with the Chargers instead. Maybe things will turn out differently this time around though.
I'm a big fan of what Adrian Phillips would bring to the table if he joins the Dallas Cowboys. I know he's not one of the more well-recognized names from the NFL to play the safety position, but don't mistake that for the impact he has on the field. He's very well thought of by both his coaches and teammates alike.
Former teammate Rayshawn Jenkins has called Phillips a “genius”. “AP.'s a genius, like literally,” Jenkins said. “Literarily a genius. He's a coach on the field. He's crazy.” The praise doesn't stop there though.
Head coach Anthony Lynn has referred to Phillips as “the key” cog in making the defense work with his play and leadership. And, Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley has said he's “one of the (smartest players) … he's ever coached”.
I don't know about you, but it definitely sounds as if Adrian Phillips is someone the Dallas Cowboys defense can use and we haven't even started talking about what he can do on the field.
During his time with the Chargers, Phillips has been a Swiss Army Knife kind of player. He's played strong safety, free safety, dime linebacker, and nickel linebacker. And, that's not even mentioning the fact he's a standout special teams player and was named to the Pro Bowl and earned First-team All-Pro honors as such in 2018 as well.
Let all of that sink in for just a little bit…
The Dallas Cowboys would be getting a versatile safety you can play at FS or SS and be utilized as a LB as well. Oddly enough, they need more depth at at all of those positions. But there's more…
Adrian Phillips is a native born Texan. He grew up in Terrell Texas, which is approximately 32 miles east of the Dallas area. He even played at one of the biggest football programs in the state, the University of Texas. Is it time to bring him home?
I personally believe Adrian Phillips is exactly what the Dallas Cowboys need. He's just 27 – turns 28 March 28 – and shouldn't break the bank to sign, especially considering he missed several games last season due to a broken arm. Add all of that up and he sounds even more like a Cowboys free agent target.
You may feel differently of course and that your prerogative, but I know I will personally have my fingers crossed in the hopes the Dallas Cowboys sign Adrian Phillips. It just makes way too much sense to me. I'm just hoping the Cowboys brass feels the same.
