The Dallas Cowboys had a very strong showing in the NFL Draft. They fortified their trenches on both sides of the ball and clearly sought to add physicality and toughness to their roster after they were bullied in multiple games to close the 2023 season, including the wild card loss.
First-round pick Tyler Guyton is the presumed starting left tackle, while second-rounder Marshawn Kneeland — viewed as DeMarcus Lawrence’s heir apparent — could have a major impact on running downs in a depleted Cowboys edge room.
Third-round pick Cooper Beebe should win the starting center job and fourth-round pick Marist Liufau, a thumper of a linebacker who loves getting downhill, may have a bigger role on defense than what’s been led on.
Following the draft — and the signing of Ezekiel Elliott — the Cowboys need to strengthen their running back and DT rooms. A trade for a RB could be in the cards, but getting another true nose tackle should be paramount.
Well, Patrick Walker of the team’s official website believes Dallas will sniff around the DT market for depth. In replying to a fan on social media, Walker identified veteran Calais Campbell as a possible Cowboys target.
Walker linking the Cowboys with Campbell should instill optimism in fans. After all, Walker is as plugged-in as any reporter on the Dallas beat. He was all over the Ezekiel Elliott reunion since the offseason started. Elliott’s return became inevitable during the draft, but Walker reported months ago that Zeke and Dallas kept an open dialogue since the season ended.
Campbell would be an outstanding get for the Cowboys. He makes an impact on the edge and along the interior. That would be huge after Dallas lost the versatile Dorance Armstrong in free agency.
A six-time Pro Bowler and member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2010s, Campbell was tremendous for the Falcons in his age-37 season last year. He tallied 42 pressures, seven sacks (most on the team) and 36 third down stops against the run. His 80.2 run defense grade ranked fourth among interior defenders and 10th overall amongst DTs and edge rushers, per Pro Football Focus.
Campbell’s one-year deal with Atlanta was worth $7 million. The Cowboys currently have $6.296 million in cap space. They’ll need to create some room to sign their 2024 draft class and outside free agents, including Campbell.
However, a one-year contract in the range of $5-7 million is extremely doable. Given Campbell’s potential impact both on the field and as a figurehead in the locker room, Jerry Jones cannot let money dictate whether he signs the former Walter Payton Man of the Year.