FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys are underway with a crucial offseason as they attempt to regroup after a disappointing 2024 campaign. Injuries, talent deficiency and several other distractions played into an utter collapse last season.
Much of the chagrin from Cowboys fans has focused on the offensive side where the team lost Dak Prescott midway through the season and Mike McCarthy’s struggled for competency at times.
That somewhat gave a pass to a defense that took a while to prove effective with Mike Zimmer in charge. Again, injuries played a crucial role here, but the Cowboys in totality lacked the depth one would expect of a contending team.
Dec 23, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) enters the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This was true in the secondary where the Cowboys lost Trevon Diggs during the back half of the season after starting the year without DaRon Bland in the lineup. Bland should be back and ready to go from the start this season, but there still doubts lurking about the pieces around him.
Diggs’ injury situation appears more comprehensive than originally thought and the team’s best nickel corner, Jourdan Lewis, has left in free agency. Behind those headlining names, the Cowboys have a stable of younger players that have not yet proven themselves consistently.
To provide some insurance for Matt Eberflus’ secondary, should the Cowboys turn to the free agent market?
Los Angeles cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. remains available as he seeks out a new destination. Samuel had his time on the field cut short due to a shoulder injury in 2024, but played 17 games in the two seasons prior and has intercepted two passes in three of his four seasons in the league.
Samuel has proven decent in coverage, but may still be a moldable product given he is only 25 years old. For that reason, he is at least worth a look from Dallas’ side.
The team has traded for Kaiir Elam and has Caelen Carson waiting to get his next opportunity after missing most of last season with an injury. But Samuel is arguably more of a proven corner than either player. … and in that sense. His availability is a bit of a surprise.
If the Cowboys want more help in the secondary, they are likely best suited exploring what Samuel has to offer.
