Eight Free Agency Options For The Cowboys At Linebacker
The Dallas Cowboys got devastating news late Tuesday night. Dallas will have to field a defense in 2014 that does not include middle linebacker and defensive leader Sean Lee. After tearing his ACL during the Cowboys first organized team activities of the offseason, Lee learned that his latest injury will sideline him for the entire 2014 season.
The Cowboys current linebacker corps includes: Bruce Carter, Justin Durant, Anthony Hitchens (R), DeVonte Holloman, Cameron Lawrence, Orie Lemon, Dontavis Sapp (R), Will Smith (R), Kyle Wilber and Joe Windsor (R).
Although Dallas has depth at the position, their in-house linebackers lack experience. It would make sense that the Cowboys front office has started to comb the free agency list to find some veteran help. Therefore, I’ve complied a list of eight likely free agent candidates who could be signed by Dallas to help fill the void at linebacker left by the injured Lee.
James Anderson
Height: 6-2
Weight: 235
Years In NFL: 8
Last Team: Chicago Bears
2013 Stats: 102 tackles, 4.0 sacks
Career Stats: 557 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 4 ints, 4 FF
Latest News: Anderson recently tried out for the New England Patriots.
Cowboys Angle: The 30-year old Anderson led the Chicago Bears in tackles last year after spending seven seasons as a member of the Carolina Panthers. It’s obvious that he is looking for one last pay day, but seems to be finding it hard in this current market. Anderson is a good athlete with above average coverage ability. But he mainly played in the nickel package for the Bears last year. Anderson could certainly fit in Dallas, but at what price?
Pat Angerer
Height: 6-0
Weight: 236
Years In NFL: 4
Last Team: Indianapolis Colts
2013 Stats: 63 tackles, 0.5 sacks
Career Stats: 328 tackles, 2.5 sacks
Latest News: Angerer is recovering from the dreaded microfracture surgery and is said to be “a few months” away from trying out for any NFL team.
Cowboys Angle: The four-year tackling machine makes perfect sense for Dallas. Why not take a chance on yet another injured player? Sorry, Cowboys fans. Nothing to see here other than damaged goods. And we have too many of those players already on the roster.
Nick Barnett
Height: 6-2
Weight: 228
Years In NFL: 11
Last Team: Buffalo Bills
2013 Stats: 12 tackles
Career Stats: 1,043 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 12 ints
Latest News: The 32-year old’s age has limited the veterans options. He most recently bought a home in Southern California.
Cowboys Angle: Barnett tore his left MCL in December, but is said to be ready for spring practices. Although the former Green Bay Packer has some impressive career stats; his age, lack of recent production and latest injury probably make him radioactive across the league. And not in a good superhero way.
Michael Boley
Height: 6-3
Weight: 230
Years In NFL: 9
Last Team: Cincinnati Bengals
2013 Stats: 10 tackles
Career Stats: 698 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 8 ints
Latest News: After eight successful seasons as a member of the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants, Boley found himself a free agent after he was arrested for non-sexual child abuse involving his five year old son. It wasn’t until October of last year that Boley landed in Cincinnati as a back-up.
Cowboys Angle: The 31-year old Boley has the experience needed to be an effective outside linebacker in the NFL. But his off-the-field issues and history of domestic violence make him a “no-go” in a moral clubhouse led by Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett.
London Fletcher
Height: 5’10
Weight: 242
Years In NFL: 16
Last Team: Washington Redskins
2013 Stats: 111 tackles, 2.0 sacks
Career Stats: 1,796 tackles, 39 sacks,23 ints,19 FF.
Latest News: Fletcher’s all but retired now, although he has stated he’d be willing to play for a playoff contender.
Cowboys Angle: The 39-year old can still play the game. Fletcher has recorded 100+ total tackles for the last 14 seasons and is a bona fide lockerroom leader. Although I can see him as the perfect one-year replacement for Lee, I’m pretty sure Dallas doesn’t qualify as a playoff contender for him.
James Harrison
Height: 6-0
Weight: 275
Years In NFL: 10
Last Team: Cincinnati Bengals
2013 Stats: 31 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 int
Career Stats: 648 tackles, 66.5 sacks, 6 ints
Latest News: Rumors had Harrison returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the veteran minimum in March, but nothing happened.
Cowboys Angle: Injuries and age have caught up to the 36-year old Harrison. But the five-time Pro Bowler is still considered by many as the top free agent outside linebacker available. And his veteran experience could certainly add something to the Cowboys young linebacking corps.
Ernie Sims
Height: 6-0
Weight: 233
Years In NFL: 8
Last Team: Dallas Cowboys
2013 Stats: 42 tackles
Career Stats: 622 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 int
Latest News: Sims has generated no discernible interest since parting with the Cowboys in the offseason.
Cowboys Angle: A Sims signing makes the most logical sense since he started two games at middle linebacker for the Cowboys last season. He knows the coaching staff, the defensive scheme and the playbook. He seems like the prefect choice if Dallas decides to look into free agency for veteran depth.
Jonathan Vilma
Height: 6-1
Weight: 230
Years In NFL: 10
Last Team: New Orleans Saints
2013 Stats: 1 tackle
Career Stats: 878 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 12 ints
Latest News: Injuries and suspensions have plagued Vilma the past three seasons. But the 10-year veteran is said to be at full health and ready to try out for teams. Unfortunately, no one seems to be calling.
Cowboys Angle: Vilma is certainly the biggest free agent name surrounding the Cowboys right now. But Dallas tends not to make the big splashes in free agency anymore. They seem to prefer the unknowns to the “knowns”. Still Vilma is considered the top middle linebacker option in free agency. He has Super Bowl experience and the makings of a vocal leader in the lockerroom. But you have to wonder how his role in the Bountygate Scandal will effect Garrett’s view of the veteran linebacker.
Eight Free Agency Options For The Cowboys At Linebacker
![Eight Free Agency Options For The Cowboys At Linebacker]()
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