5 burning questions the Cowboys must answer in 2019

3. How should they use Sean Lee?

It wasn’t that long ago when Lee was the unquestioned heart and soul of the Dallas defense. Unfortunately for the 32-year-old linebacker, those days are now gone. That doesn’t mean he can’t play a key role for the Cowboys in 2019.

Initial indications are that Lee will be battling to retain a spot in the starting lineup. He’s been displaced by Jaylon Smith as the team’s middle linebacker, but it’s very possible he will emerge as the starter on the weakside. That would really give Lee a lot of freedom to run around and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Remember, Leighton Vander Esch is also a part of this linebacking corps. He will draw a ton of attention on the strongside of the formation. If teams pay too much attention to Smith and Vander Esch then Lee could bounce back with a really good 2019 campaign.

The key for Lee, as usual, will be to stay healthy. The Cowboys will hope that moving him out of the middle will save some significant wear and tear on his body. The team’s defensive coaching staff might have to get creative to get the most out of Lee this season, but it should be a priority for the organization.