Defensive End
DeMarcus Lawrence – 1 year remaining on a 4-year, $5.51 million deal
Tyrone Crawford – 4 years remaining on a 5-year, $45 million deal
Benson Mayowa – 2 years remaining on a 3-year, $8.25 million deal
Charles Tapper – 3 years remaining on a 4-year, $2.96 million deal
Jack Crawford – Unrestricted free agent
Ryan Davis – Unrestricted free agent
Randy Gregory* – 2 years remaining on a 4-year, $3.81 million deal
Evaluation: The defensive end position for the Dallas Cowboys is in desperate need of upgrading and should probably be top priority during the off-season.
DeMarcus Lawrence has some serious concerns with his reoccurring back injuries and he hasn’t really been able to put together any kind of consistency on the field either. He will be entering the last year of his rookie contract and will probably have to put together quite a season if he wants to return to the Cowboys after 2017.
I listed Tyrone Crawford as a DE because that’s where he play the majority of 2016. His position flexibility could have him play just about anywhere along the defensive line, but he has really failed to live up to expectations the Cowboys had when they signed him to a long-term deal. They definitely need more from him in the future.
Benson Mayowa had his moments in 2016, but is probably suited best as a situational pass rusher.
The hope is Charles Tapper can help next season, but without much practice/playing time, it’s hard to evaluate his future.
You may have noticed that I put an asterisk next to Randy Gregory’s name. He is still technically under contract, but will miss the entire 2016 season. His future should definitely be in doubt as well his career in the NFL.
I fully expect to see the Dallas Cowboys address the defensive end situation in the draft and quite possibly free agency as well.
