NFC contender the Dallas Cowboys are urged to sign bitter rival free agent Zach Cunningham this offseason. There aren’t a lot of options for a team that hasn’t been making splash moves this free agency. The Cowboys were able to acquire just Eric Kendricks and Ezekiel Elliott, attempting to improve their roster. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder says America’s team should consider signing Cunningham since they weren’t good in the pass rush last year.
However, they could do that by signing him as some immediate help while they already lost Leighton Vander-Esch to retirement. The pass-rushing unit isn’t going to get any better with any moves which Jerry Jones hasn’t been to. The defense was immediately struggling once Vander-Esch went down with another injury. They could use someone like Cunningham to improve their depth to help on the opposite end of Kendricks.
The run defense was a weak point and a reason why they weren’t able to stop the run. They need to figure out a way to do that while trying to stop the opposing team’s momentum. The Cowboys were ranked 16th when it came to defending the run last year. They could still use another established linebacker after adding rookie Marist Liufau but he may not be ready for the starting position for week one.
Damone Clark is the other starter so this means the Cowboys have two out of three new starters for the group. Kendricks is the lone veteran so adding another one for an insurance policy wouldn’t hurt the team. It would be wise to bring Cunningham to pair with Kendricks as the new duo for this upcoming season. He probably won’t replicate the same play but it’s better than having inexperienced players.
NFC Contender Dallas Cowboys Urged to Sign Bitter Rival Free Agent Zach Cunningham
How He Fits
Cunningham has plenty of experience and is reliable for being a great run-stopper for a defense that needs it. The Vanderbilt product started 10 of his last 13 appearances with the Eagles, notching 85 tackles which is the third-highest total on the team. Pro Football Focus gave him a 70.7 run-defense grade so the 29-year-old is a good option as a second-level linebacker. However, he could still be a reliable starter after coming in for a struggling Eagles defense after losing some depth last offseason.
Philadelphia was also able to bring in Myles Jack to help accommodate Cunningham in the position. It’s the same scenario that the Cowboys are going through revamping their defense as they’re not entering the linebacker position strong. They may have Buddy Johnson, Markquese Bell and DeMarvion Overshown but they only have eight starts among them. Cunningham would be a good tackler which is something that the Cowboys have been struggling with over the past decade.
It doesn’t take more than one defender to make a tackle so he could be a great fit to make those big plays. Cunningham once led the league with 164 total tackles in 2020. He holds career totals of 705 tackles, 23 pass deflections, four fumble recoveries and 6.5 sacks in 95 games. Here are some other potential destinations for Cunningham.
Potential Destinations
The defense is already looking different for the Baltimore Ravens after the departure of Patrick Queen to the Steelers. However, they’re already undergoing more changes after bringing in Jamal Adams for a visit as they’re looking for roster depth at the position. Roquan Smith may lead the linebacker group but they need someone alongside to possibly build one of the best duos in the league. It isn’t the biggest need for the Chiefs but they could use some help for Nick Bolton.
They still have a high potential for Leo Chenal, Drue Tranquill and Willie Gay Jr. who are valuable players. However, a veteran alongside could provide the group with some needed experience to help mentor the young talent. The Panthers still need some help alongside after signing Jadeveon Clowney. He’s still a great veteran but they need another one to help bolster their defense.
New Orleans is getting younger at the linebacker position as Demario Davis and Pete Werner have been entrenching the starting lineup. However, Dennis Allen anticipates to be some competition so why not bring a veteran to beef it up?
