3 free agents the Cowboys should avoid in the 2021 offseason
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. Arizona Cardinals. Patrick Peterson. 32. 2. player
One of the bigger issues the Cowboys have to address in the offseason is the cornerback position. Dallas’ secondary was solid in 2020, ranking 11th in the league in pass defense, but the unit has a ton of free agents to sort through.
Chidobie Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, and C.J. Goodwin are all free agents, leaving Trevon Diggs and Anthony Brown as the only corners under contract entering the offseason. Brown is most effective in the slot, leaving Dallas in need of at least one starting outside cornerback.
The top corner on the market is Arizona’s Patrick Peterson, who declined a bit in 2020 but was still an excellent player for the Cardinals. Peterson made $14 million last season and should command an eight-figure salary in free agency, something the Cowboys will likely look to avoid in order to get the most bang for their buck.
A smarter short-term fit at the position would be Richard Sherman, who is slightly older but has tremendous familiarity with Quinn’s defense, allowing him to help be a coach on the field for youngsters like Diggs. The Cowboys could also select a cornerback with their first-round pick, such as Patrick Surtain II or Caleb Farley, so throwing a ton of money at Peterson wouldn’t be a great move.