The Dallas Cowboys could be in the market for a linebacker this offseason. … and to see that, all we need is a quick review of 2023.
With injury questions attached to Leighton Vander Esch and DeMarvion Overshown, two safeties – Markquese Bell and Jayron Kearse – got playing time at linebacker last season for Dallas.
That’s not a blueprint for success under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s defense and for a team that struggled to stop the run last year.
Does that mean a star-quality ‘backer is going to be a spending priority for Dallas?
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CBS Sports thinks Dallas could be in play to sign Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen:
“There were times in practice at The Star, the team’s headquarters in Frisco, Texas, where only one or two guys were going through linebacker position drills because of the injuries. … Signing a heat-seeking missile like Queen could beef up a shallow inside linebacker position group and make Jerry Jones appear like he truly is attempting to be ‘all in.'”
It is worth noting that the suggestion comes from a writer in Garrett Podell who is Dallas-based. But we will argue that the projection falls apart when Podell writes, “on the open market, (Queen) could garner a five-year, $92.6 million deal with an average annual salary of $18.5 million
Spotrac (maybe not coincidentally) projects that same exact deal. … and we are here to report that there is nothing in Dallas’ history that says the Cowboys – who are already a bit cash-strapped with just roughly $8.8 million in cap space and in need of making some moves roster-wise soon to make any significant changes – plan to prioritize a Tier 1 off-ball linebacker to open free agency on Monday.
Last season, Queen tallied 133 total tackles with one interception and 3.5 sacks. Since arriving in Baltimore through the 2020 NFL Draft (No. 6 overall) the LSU product has registered 454 total tackles with four picks and 13.5 sacks.
If there is an off-ball linebacker worthy of a big payday, Queen – just 24 – might be that guy. But that doesn’t mean he’s Dallas’ guy.
