Who Are Key Free Agents the Cowboys Can Steal from a Division Rival?
With the Cowboys hiring Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator, it appears he will have significant authority over the players and coaches he brings in this offseason to support him during his rookie campaign. He has two first-round picks at his disposal, something the Cowboys have not had since the year 2008. He will likely attract some of his former colleagues in Philadelphia to join him in Dallas to help build his staff. Not only can a staff member from Philly join Parker in Dallas, but there are also a couple of players in free agency that the Cowboys potentially can steal from a fellow division rival.
Nakobe Dean
The former Georgia Bulldog Nakobe Dean has been a consistent linebacker for the Eagles throughout his NFL career. This year, Dean will be entering free agency for the first time. After experiencing a subpar season compared to the year when Philadelphia won the Super Bowl, he has had a worse season overall. The Cowboys struggled with poor performance from their linebackers throughout the season. Reuniting Dean with Parker could benefit both the Cowboys' defense and Dean's career. Dallas is also targeting Eagles assistant linebackers coach Romell Williams, which could create a sense of familiarity for Dean if the Cowboys choose to pursue him.
Reed Blankenship
Another Eagle the Cowboys could choose to target in free agency is safety Reed Blankenship. Blankenship, like several players across the NFL, has been able to credit a lot of his growth to Parker these past two seasons during their time together in Philadelphia. Blankenship would help the Cowboys right away, like Dean, since they had one of the worst secondaries. Earlier this season, during the Cowboys' comeback win against the Eagles, Blankenship intercepted Dak Prescott, demonstrating some of his skill set on the Cowboys. Blankenship adds a veteran presence to the Cowboys' locker room and is highly respected throughout the league for what he has done for the Eagles. If the Cowboys do decide to sign either Dean or Blankenship, both players will bring a championship mentality to Dallas, something that the Cowboys have been chasing for the past 30 years.
