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Cowboys battling it out for new safety on struggling defense

By Scott Rogust

Keanu Neal #22 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after making a tackle against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Keanu Neal #22 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after making a tackle against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys are in the running for free agent safety Keanu Neal, but they have some competition from an AFC East team.

The Dallas Cowboys crossed off their top priority of this offseason, and that was to sign quarterback Dak Prescott to a massive contract extension. While that is a huge accomplishment, the Cowboys still have some work to do, specifically on the defensive side of the ball. It appears they have a big-name free agent in mind, but they will have some competition.

According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, former Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal has narrowed down his options to two teams. The Cowboys, and the New York Jets.

Cowboys: Free agent safety Keanu Neal considering signing with Dallas

The Cowboys link does make sense for Neal. After the organization parted ways with defensive coordinator Mike Nolan at the end of this past season, the team hired Neal’s former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn for the position. If there is anyone that knows Quinn’s defensive scheme inside and out, it is Neal.

It is interesting, however, that Neal is interested in signing with the Jets. The team hired former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their head coach, and the reviews from players have been glowing. In fact, the team did manage to sign former Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Carl Lawson, who credited Saleh’s YouTube videos for him wanting to sign with the Jets.

The Cowboys do have a vacancy on the safety depth chart after Xavier Woods hit free agency, and Neal could be a solid replacement. Neal is coming off his first full season since 2017, as he tore his ACL in 2018 and tore his Achilles tendon in 2019. Even with these major injuries, Neal’s talent is simply too good to pass up on.

In 15 regular-season games this past year, Neal tallied 100 total tackles (nine for loss), two defended passes, one interception, one sack and one fumble recovery. In pass coverage, Neal allowed 49 catches for 564 yards and one touchdown on 66 targets, per Pro Football Reference.

Will Quinn and the Cowboys be able to convince Neal to sign? Or will Neal choose to join the Jets?

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