The season concluded for Dallas with a loss at San Francisco. However, there are already several things to look at regarding the roster for the upcoming season. Now we’ll review which players will be free agents in March when the new NFL year officially kicks off for all franchises. Today: the defense.
The defense did what few expected this season. That was a repeat of the 2021 production when Dan Quinn arrived as unit coordinator after a disastrous campaign. Keeping the pieces with the lone exception of Randy Gregory, Quinn has helped the Cowboys continue to have a dominant team on that side of the ball.
Dallas finished as the leader in exchanges with 33. In interceptions it was foreseeable that the number would drop by the eleven that Trevon Diggs had had. However, with 16 they finished in seventh place. The number that increased was that of the fumbles occupying the position 1 with 17. The dominant level of the defense was undoubtedly in the first half.
There, above all, a change was seen to be more solid in the yards conceded with fewer deliveries generated. These two variables were adjusted to conclude the season more evenly. The lack of energy in the second half was made up for in the playoffs against both the Buccaneers and 49ers.
Jayron Kearse intercepts Brady in the end zone! #SuperWildCard
????: #DALvsTB on ESPN/ABC
????: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/HABicMhZeY pic.twitter.com/zb962ZcgGt— NFL (@NFL) January 17, 2023
Who will be free agents on the Cowboys’ defense?
There will be fewer major casualties on defense than on offense. That element is somewhat favorable considering that those who could leave are pieces of the rotation. The exception is Leighton Vander Esch for his great contribution after signing a one-year deal when he, too, was an unrestricted free agent. The other starting factor to be added to that list is Anthony Brown.
Due to an Achilles tendon injury, he was an irreplaceable absence for Dallas, although management could try to retain the experienced cornerback to have someone reliable. A third fixed member that is added is Donovan Wilson. The remaining players who will be unrestricted free agents are Dante Fowler, Carlos Watkins, Johnathan Hankins, Luke Gifford, Trayvon Mullen, Anthony Barr and CJ Goodwin.
