With training camp just weeks away in Oxnard, the Cowboys are still making moves to keep their team deep. Especially in the defensive aspect, which has been a very positive and important change after the arrival of Dan Quinn in the organization.
Well, the first notable move is that the team has signed linebacker Christian Sam. This LB has the credentials of having been a sixth round selection for the New England Patriots in 2018. However, he would not last long in this franchise, since they ended up cutting him at the end of August of the following year.
The Cowboys have officially signed K Lirim Hajrullahu and LB Christian Sam (Arizona State)
LB Devante Bond (Oklahoma) has been moved to the injured reserve
– Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 8, 2022
Since then, he has been a member of various practice teams. Going through the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions. In the case of the latter team, they were at least given a reserve contract. However, he would end up being released in early August 2020.
Apart from this, he had a short period in the USFL, to now return to the NFL thanks to the Dallas Cowboys. Clearly, the player’s role is expected to be to deepen the position and fill the role left by Devante Bond.
LT Tyron Smith, WR Michael Gallup (ACL), LB Jabril Cox (ACL), RB Rico Dowdle (hip), RB JaQuan Hardy, LB Damone Clark, C Alec Lindstrom, DL Carlos Watkins and DT Osa Odighizuwa (quad contusion) also did not practice. LB Devante Bond (No. 51) exited with apparent right knee injury. pic.twitter.com/qYz5oopPpV
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) May 25, 2022
In the case of the latter, an injury to his right knee during organized activities has left him out of the entire 2022 campaign. All this thanks to the fact that the defender would have to undergo surgery, and there is no chance that he can return at least this year. Sure, the Cowboys signed Bond to a future contract in January 2022, so they’ve placed him on injured reserve. Thanks to this adjustment, Christian could be signed without problems.
As mentioned, Sam is clearly coming to fill Devante’s job with the Cowboys. However, like many of the elements he will have to fight for a position if he wants to finally have his first game as a professional. Since his selection in 2018 he hasn’t had a chance and the furthest he’s gotten is practice squads.
The only real free agent pursuit story that was real. Reported it then he wanted to come to Dallas but Dallas doesn’t spend the money on FAs https://t.co/iJygo4QHt1
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) July 7, 2022
Of course, this is not the luxury signing that perhaps some expected in the position. We must not forget that in Dallas they fell short trying to sign Von Miller and in the conversations with Bobby Wagner nothing was achieved. Likewise, it can’t be left out that Anthony Barr remains a free agent, a linebacker with four Pro Bowl appearances between 2015 and 2018.
In another interesting move, which as such came as no surprise since it had been announced for a few days, the Cowboys have signed kicker Lirim Hajrullahu to compete with undrafted agent Jonathan Garibay at the position. Until mandatory minicamp, the latter was the team’s kicker. Now with the arrival of Lirim, we will see some interesting competition when the Cowboys begin their activities in Oxnard.
With these changes in the offices, they may not rule out doing something else before leaving for California at the end of July. There are still some unfinished business in the next few hours, such as whether or not the Cowboys will finally extend Dalton Schultz. Also, the possibility of bringing in another free agent even with the team practicing in Oxnard. Anything can happen, what is certain is that the group will seek the greatest production in the preseason to go out and win this 2022.
