Cowboys' Free Agency Plans: Strengthening Defense

0:00On March 1st, ESPN Insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano share key insights this week on the Dallas Cowboys free agency plans. With the market opening soon, Dallas aims to strengthen his defense under new coordinator Christian Parker. Their eyeing linebacker Nekope Dean from the Eagles as a potential leader in the middle, plus past rushers and secondary help. Nekope Dean, drafted by Philadelphia in 2022 out of Georgia, brings college star potential but has injury issues. He played in just 47 of 68 possible gains over four seasons. If signed, he'd need to stay healthy to anchor the Cowboys scheme. The Cowboys also plan to target top-edge rushers like Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals or Oda Faye away from the Chargers, both likely free agents. Their sack leader Jadevian Clowny and others are hitting the market too. Meanwhile, owner Jerry Jones regrets letting corner Jordan Lewis walk last year, so they're scouting safeties, such as Arizona's Jalen Thompson. And a nickel corner, kicker Brandon Aubrey's contract talks have heated up after some public back and forth.

1:05Dallas offered to make him the league's highest paid kicker last year, but numbers differ. His side wants around 10 million annually, while reports, peg at lower, insiders expected to deal soon, possibly in early March or a second round tender, worth about 5.8 million. These moves could reshape Dallas's roster fast as free agency kicks off, setting the stage for a stronger defense next season.