Cowboys lose Chidobe Awuzie to Bengals in free agency
The Dallas Cowboys will need to fix their secondary in the draft after losing a perimeter corner
With Dak Prescott signing a four-year deal worth up to $164 million, the Dallas Cowboys knew they would be losing a few players to free agency. The first domino fell on Tuesday morning.
Former Cowboys cornerback Chidobe Awuzie agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. According to NFL network’s Mike Garofolo, the price of the current deal has not been finalized.
#Bengals agree to terms on a three-year deal with former #Cowboys CB Chidobe Awuzie, source says. Cincy continuing to make moves on defense. They liked the former second-rounder's athleticism and consistency.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 16, 2021
Drafted out of Colorado in 2017, Awuzie always played a reliable No.2 option for the Cowboys’ defense. Following the departure of Byron Jones to the Miami Dolphins, he stepped up as the teams top cover man. Awuzie finished the 2020 season with 38 total tackles, five pass deflections and an interception.
For his career, Awuzie has tallied 213 total tackles, 37 past deflections and four interceptions.
How big of a loss is this for the Cowboys?
Cincinnati entered free agency with over $30 million to spend. Following the departure of Carl Lawson to the New York Jets, they added former New Orleans Saints edge rusher Trey Hendrickson on a four-year deal worth up to $60 million.
Awuzie will pair with former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes. Waynes missed the entire season with a torn pectoral muscle, but is expected to help the secondary improve. The verdict is still out on if Mackensie Alexander or William Jackson III will return to the jungle this offseason.
For the Cowboys, drafting a cornerback early is now essential. Trevon Diggs will be the teams only true corner with starting experience entering the offseason. Although there’s upside for the former Alabama defender, having him be the true No.1 is not an ideal situation.
The Cowboys have been linked to Alabama is Patrick Surtain III and Virginia Tech Caleb Farley as options to draft with the No.10 selection. Former South Carolina corner Jaycee Horn should now be in play as well.
The Bengals continue to address their defensive needs while the Cowboys stand pat. Here’s hoping that plan works out for both.
Next. Will the Cowboys lose Andy Dalton?. dark