Dallas Cowboys has had a rough season so far, and one of the largest issues is run defense. Not just did the Cowboys let key defensive players walk in free agency, but the new players they drafted are not meeting the expectations, or they are injured. When looking at rush defense, Dallas is ranked at 20th position in the league since they allow 118.0 rushing yards per game. To make the matter worse, Stephen Paea announced his retirement earlier in the week.
Since both linebackers Anthony Hitchens and Sean Lee have been on-and-off with the injuries, Jaylon Smith was given a chance. Even though this is his second year in the NFL, he was inactive in the last season because of the knee problems, so he is basically a rookie whose lack of experience is visible on the field. Luckily for Dallas, both Lee and Hitchens will be able to play after the bye-week. However, there is nobody to replace them if things like these keep happening. Justin Durant is too slow, while Kyle Wilber and Damien Wilson are not capable of filling out the spots.
The Dallas Cowboys need to bring new players to the team, and one of them may be veteran linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who has just been released by the San Francisco 49ers. Bowman is a three-time Pro Bowler and four-time first team All-Pro who has struggled with injuries lately, playing only four games in 2016 due to Achilles and missing the entire 2014 with the ACL tear. However, in 2015, as well as from 2011-2013, NaVorro Bowman was a beast, playing through the whole season and recording 147.5 total tackles per year.
If it weren’t for the new front office in the team from San Francisco, Bowman would have remained with the team since he agreed to a seven-year $77 million contract in 2016. Instead of that, Reuben Foster was drafted from Alabama in the first round, replacing Bowman. Even though he has played in five games only, his 38 tackles and one pass defense would put him just behind Jaylon Smith’s 41 tackles in the Cowboys squad.
Bowman is 29, which means that he has not worn out yet. Dallas should make an offer and bring this man to refresh the defense. He would also be helpful as a mentor to the young guys on the team.
