Key Takeaways:
– The Dallas Cowboys may remedy salary cap issues with Jordan Poyer, recently released by the Buffalo Bills.
– Poyer’s blend of experience and performance might provide a necessary boost for the Cowboys’ secondary.
– Despite facing a tight budget, the Cowboys could potentially secure a valuable player in Poyer during the free agency.
– Owing to quarterback Dak Prescott’s cap number, Dallas may be less active during the free agency period.
As per Heavy.com, the Dallas Cowboys have found themselves grappling with a daunting salary cap situation. Nevertheless, the upcoming offseason might present them with an unexpected advantage. They could benefit from other teams’ need to cut salary, particularly before the start of the free agency period. In what could be termed a silver lining in an otherwise gloomy scenario, the Cowboys might lay their hands on Jordan Poyer, the recently released player from the Buffalo Bills, who fits well within their budget and fills a significant gap in their secondary.
Cowboys’ Secondary Vulnerability
Last season exposed the vulnerability of the Cowboys’ secondary specifically when facing a vertical passing game, as demonstrated in the NFC Wild Card round against the Green Bay Packers led by Jordan Love. The Cowboys’ secondary has a clear need for a player who can stand up to strong aerial assaults. Poyer, following his release from the Buffalo Bills due to the cap crunch, might be a timely solution for the Cowboys.
Poyer’s Impressive Track Record
Poyer, who will be seeking a new NFL home for the first time since 2017, brings a wealth of experience and an impressive tack record, making him a hot prospect for teams aiming for a title. Despite turning 33 in April, he is expected to garner some interest. In 2023, Poyer made an impressive 100 combined tackles, registered one sack, and defensed four passes. Moreover, he earned the honor of a First Team All-Pro in 2021, after tying his career-high with five interceptions. The next year, he was named to his first Pro Bowl.
Mike Zimmer, the new defensive coordinator for the Cowboys, could draw on Poyer’s on-field skills and leadership experience to solidify the team’s secondary. Furthermore, Poyer’s ability to play a pivotal role as a mentor to younger players can be instrumental in imparting a new playing scheme. Throughout his 12 seasons, Poyer has impressively achieved 806 total tackles, 24 interceptions, nine forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries.
Poyer’s Market Value
Considering the current state of the safety market, several marquee players are being released before the onset of free agency. This makes it highly unlikely that Poyer will demand a sky-high price. This bodes well for the Cowboys, who currently are just $8.8 million under the cap and are expected to hunt for bargains.
Potential Challenges and Strategy
The Cowboys’ plan for the offseason depends on finding a way to reduce quarterback Dak Prescott’s cap number. This might be accomplished by either a new contract extension or restructuring his current agreement. In this scenario, the Cowboys may resort to searching for free agents who offer performance and potential, without a substantial price tag.
ESPN has predicted that the Cowboys might not be very active during free agency. Their focus is expected to be more on extending the contracts of star players like QB Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb, and LB Micah Parsons, leaving them with limited resources to sign new free agents. As such, players like Poyer could prove to be valuable additions to the Cowboys’ team, offering experience and consistency, whilst being cost-effective.
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