Facing the suspension of former starting middle linebacker Rolando McClain and the potential season ending injury to first round pick Jaylon Smith, the Cowboys certainly have a need for linebacker depth.
To fulfill this need, the Dallas Cowboys are expected to sign former Iowa Hawkeyes’ linebacker James Morris, as reported by Drew Davison of the Star Telegram. This announcement comes after the team worked out both James Morris and former Philadelphia Eagles’ linebacker Emmanuel Acho.
#Cowboys expected to sign LB James Morris. He played at Iowa and was with Patriots in 2014 and Giants in 2015.
— Drew Davison (@drewdavison) August 2, 2016
A two-time captain at Iowa, Morris played in all 13 games his freshman season, and started in every game besides two during his remaining time in college.
Morris signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2014, but was cut only four days after being signed. His release reportedly came due to a failed physical. He then re-joined the Patriots for another short stint, before spending some time with the New York Giants during last season.
Morris was active for just six games with the Giants in 2015, recording two tackles on Special Teams during that time.
The Cowboys have a clear need for linebacker depth, and with the questions which already surround their defense, they cannot afford to miss on signings such as these. Morris may not have a great chance to make the final 53-man roster, but both his signing and the addition of former CFL linebacker Henoc Muamba show that the team is at least looking for reinforcements at the position.
