TARGET: TOP Defensive Back OPTIONS For The Dallas Cowboys In Free Agency | Potential Trade Targets

Summary

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Locked On Cowboys Podcast

Episode: "Target: Top Defensive Back Options for the Dallas Cowboys in Free Agency | Potential Trade Targets"

Date: February 20, 2026
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool

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Episode Overview

Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool break down the top available defensive backs—corners and safeties—that the Dallas Cowboys could target in the 2026 free agency period. The hosts discuss both high-profile and value options, analyze potential trade candidates, and give insight into the fit and potential roles for each. The episode leans into the need for veteran DBs amid upcoming turnover in the secondary and predicts a multi-pronged approach by the Cowboys’ front office.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Top Cornerback and Safety Free Agents ([01:37]-[09:35])

Jalen Watson (Chiefs)

• High-Earning Candidate: Touted as the likely top-paid CB due to youth (27), proven play, and tackling competence.
• Quote:

  "It's a combination of talent and age ... still being on the younger side of things, I think he's probably the guy that's going to be near the top of the market."
  —Landon McCool [02:45]

Jamel Dean (Buccaneers)

• Solid, consistent cover corner, albeit 29 and with injury history.
• Considered a low-variance, high-floor signing for any team.

Josh Jobe (Seahawks)

• Rose up free agency boards after a breakout 2025 playoff run.

Tariq Woolen (Seahawks)

• Traits vs. Consistency Debate: Physically gifted (6’4”, 4.2 speed), but flagged for inconsistency, benchings, and scheme fit.
• Quote:

  "You're also paying for the traits ... do you think he is somebody that would fit well into Parker's defense?"
  —Marcus Mosher [04:44]
  "The inconsistency would probably make him crazy, I would imagine ... that's the kind of gamble you're taking while paying him potentially ... $15 million a year."
  —Landon McCool [05:28]

Nayshaan Wright & Noah Igbinoghene

• Wright: High-variance, turnover-heavy Pro Bowl season, but possibly an overpay based on unsustainable output.
• Quote:

  "Turnovers are fluky ... if that's the ... thing you're trying to pay money for, you probably haven't learned your lesson from Trayvon Diggs."
  —Landon McCool [08:04]

Alontae Taylor (Saints), Brian Cook (Chiefs), Cameron Curl (Commanders)

• Taylor: Noted for versatility, valuable depending on price.
• Cook & Curl: Decent safeties but may command more than their true value.

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2. Value Free Agents and Smart Targets ([11:57]-[21:23])

Reed Blankenship (Eagles)

• System Fit: Played for DC Christian Parker, football IQ suits fill-in-the-blank need at free safety.
• Quote:

  "He did his job so well while Christian Parker was there ... you get a certain amount of extra insight into him as a free agent ... it makes too much sense for the Cowboys."
  —Landon McCool [12:41-14:03]

C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Eagles/Lions)

• High Risk, High Reward: Great on-field play, but notorious for volatility.
• Entertaining Exchange:

  "He plays really, really well. So why is he so cheap and available, Marcus?"
  —Landon McCool [14:48]
  "He's a psycho, but he's a really good player."
  —Marcus Mosher [15:00]

Ar’Darius Washington (Ravens)

• Undersized, versatile slot safety; came back fast from Achilles tear.
• Potential cheap, low-risk signing ($3-4 million/year).
• Quote:

  "I love the idea of the kind of versatility that he provides ... could easily find value in."
  —Landon McCool [16:35-17:01]

Reclamation Projects & Buy-Low Cornerbacks

• Greg Newsome (Jaguars - formerly Browns): Injury-prone but young; possible "Will McClay special" reclamation.
• Cam Taylor-Britt (Bengals): Young, regressed after good start—potential bargain.
• Amik Robertson (Lions): Profiles as a fourth CB raising secondary floor.

Roster Architecture Insight

• Emphasis on stacking mid-tier contracts ($3-7 million/year) to fill out room with "guys that can come in and not get you beat."
• Quote:

  "If you're looking for a number one corner, you'll be disappointed ... But if you're looking for that third or fourth guy ... that's where this free agent class is really good."
  —Marcus Mosher [20:00]

Donovan Wilson (Cowboys)

• Likely free agent, possibly worth bringing back as a third safety at or near veteran minimum for depth insurance.

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3. Trade Targets: High-Impact Veterans ([23:50]-[29:55])

Minka Fitzpatrick (Dolphins)

• Miami likely in cap-clearing, tank mode—could be had for a Day 3 pick swap.
• Swiss-army-knife DB, ideal for new defensive scheme.
• Quote:

  "The question becomes, what does a deal look like for a 29-year-old Minka Fitzpatrick and is that something you want to do in the middle of this kind of rebuild situation?"
  —Landon McCool [24:34]
  "He's a guy who can do anything ... his value is being able to play a bunch of different roles ..."
  —Landon McCool [26:43]

Jalen Ramsey (Steelers)

• Being moved from outside CB to slot/safety due to age and declining speed.
• Still a high-end run defender and tackler, better matcher on TEs or physical WRs.
• Likely costs a late-round pick plus cap restructuring.
• Quote:

  "Don't think of him as all-pro cornerback Ramsey. Think of him as a really good tackler ... If you need someone to be physical at the line of scrimmage and reroute corners and match up against tight ends, he can do that."
  —Marcus Mosher [29:14]
  "Think about him as the defensive back version of Jadeveon Clowney."
  —Landon McCool [29:48]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Pricey, Flukey CBs:

  "Turnovers are fluky. If that's ... what you're trying to pay money for, you probably haven't learned your lesson from Trayvon Diggs."
  —Landon McCool [08:04]

• On Blankenship’s Seamless Fit:

  "There's just too many things that align. It makes too much sense."
  —Landon McCool [14:03]

• On Mid-Level Depth:

  "I just wouldn't be surprised if we see Will McClay ... sign multiple of these guys just to see what sticks. They need bodies in the secondary."
  —Marcus Mosher [18:43]

• "Psycho" DBs Segment:

  "He's a psycho, but he's a really good player."
  —Marcus Mosher [15:00]
  "Maybe Parker can get something out of him ... but no, I don't have a ton of interest in him."
  —Landon McCool [15:23]

• On Ramsey’s Value:

  "Think about him as the corner, the defensive back version of Jadeveon Clowney."
  —Landon McCool [29:48]

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Key Timestamps

| Time | Segment | Highlights | |-----------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 01:37 | Start of Main Content | Overview, intro to free agents | | 02:45 | Chiefs’ Jalen Watson | Likely top-paid DB | | 04:44 | Tariq Woolen Analysis | Pros, cons, and fit issues | | 07:04 | Nayshaan Wright & Igbinoghene | Overpay risks, fluky turnovers | | 08:37 | Alontae Taylor, Safety Market | Value analysis, Brian Cook, Cameron Curl | | 11:57 | Transition to Value Targets | “Guys we think Will McClay will love” | | 12:30 | Reed Blankenship | System familiarity, scheme fit | | 14:06 | C.J. Gardner-Johnson | Risk/reward personality debate | | 15:43 | Ar’Darius Washington | Versatility, value buy | | 18:43 | Buy-low Candidates: Newsome, Taylor-Britt, others | Speculative signings, roster-building philosophy | | 20:00 | Amik Robertson, floor-raising DBs | Targeting reliable depth | | 21:23 | Donovan Wilson Re-signing? | Veteran min fallback option | | 23:50 | Trade Targets: Minka Fitzpatrick | Cap dump scenario, scheme versatility | | 27:05 | Jalen Ramsey as Hybrid DB | Aging star’s role, cost evaluation |

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Tone and Style

Conversational, analytic, and candid—Landon and Marcus mix film-watching insight with light banter and the occasional jab at volatile personalities, bringing Cowboys-centric analysis for the plugged-in fan.

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Summary Takeaways

• The Cowboys are expected to pursue multiple veteran DBs, focusing on versatility, football IQ, and fit over headline names.
• High-cost targets like Watson and Dean are likely out of range, but mid-tier veterans and reclamation projects are the sweet spot.
• Marcus and Landon both prefer strategy over splash: building a deep, competent rotation and avoiding “overpaying for flukes.”
• Trade options (notably Fitzpatrick, Ramsey) could bring value if the price and role align.
• “Floor-raising” the secondary is the priority—not chasing superstar CB1s in this free agency class.

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Transcript

[Landon McCool]

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[Marcus Mosher]

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[Marcus Mosher]

The Dallas Cowboys will be in the market for several free agent defensive backs. We'll tell you some of our favorite candidates next.

[Podcast Network Announcer]

You are Locked On Cowboys, your daily Dallas Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your team every day.

[Marcus Mosher]

Welcome back to the Locked On Cowboys Podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast Network your team every day. We'd like to thank you for making us the number one sports podcast network. Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Use your profit boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Welcome back. I am your host, Marcus Mosher. He is Landon McCool, and on today's show, we're taking a look at the top free agent defensive backs, corners and safeties that we think the Cowboys might target this offseason. We know they're going to free up a bunch of space at some point. It seems very likely that they're going to sign, I would say, multiple veteran defensive backs. So let's get into the names. Landon, let's start with some of the top players at the market. I don't know if the Cowboys are going to be fishing in this pool, but it also wouldn't be surprising if they went after one big player here. So who are some of the top corners and safeties who are expected to be available?

[Landon McCool]

I think the guy that's probably going to end up maybe, maybe I'm wrong, but I Think the guy that's probably going to end up with the most money here is Jalen Watson from the Kansas City Chiefs because it's a combination of talent and age. I mean, he's only 27 years old. He's coming off his fourth year. He's had a couple years of really solid play. And, and I think he's as far as like the combination of being kind of a proven thing and, and still being on the younger side of things, I think he's probably the guy that's going to be near the top of the market.

[Marcus Mosher]

On top of that, he doesn't miss very many tackles. He's a really good tackler. He's played in a pretty complex defense in Kansas City.

[Landon McCool]

Played well.

[Marcus Mosher]

Yeah. And he's played really well. So I, I think you're right there. The other one that we should mention, and if you're looking for a guy that's a little bit older, but Jamel Dean from Tampa Bay, he's dealt with some injuries over the last couple years. Maybe that's the only reason he doesn't get a ton of money. But this is somebody that's always one of the better cover corners. I, I don't know how well he fits into Christian Parker's defense, but again, I think if you want somebody that is a rock solid top 20 corner every single year, he's probably the most consistent option available.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah. And, and on a down by down basis, maybe the, the most talented of the, of the receipt up in the receivers of the corners out here. But because he's 29, you know, it, it kind of brings him down to similar level to some of these other guys that are coming out of their fourth year of their rookie contracts. Like another guy like Josh Jobe who comes from Seattle, just had to play a really great, you know, a series of games in the playoffs running up to the super bowl is another guy who, you know, probably wasn't necessarily going to be making a ton of money going into this free agent market going coming into the season, but after a really great 20, 25 is standing to kind of be in that same upper echelon with the rest of the guys. These guys that we've mentioned.

[Marcus Mosher]

Well, and we should mention Tariq Wolin, who's also a free agent, it doesn't seem like Seattle is going to pay him right now. Over on Pro Football Focus, they're expecting his market to be around 15 million per season and that's, it's not a ton for his talent because we know he is incredibly Gifted, you're talking about a six foot four corner that can run in the four twos. But this is somebody who has been benched at times in Seattle who clearly fell out of favor for a while under Mike McDonald. You wonder if the down to down consistency is there. You're also paying for the traits. Do you think he is somebody that would fit well into Parker's defense?

[Landon McCool]

I, I don't think he would specifically like. I mean I think he's definitely better, you know, a fit for the more kind of siloed defenses where you're going up the field. It's cover one, it's cover three. Like that's probably where he's probably at the most comfort comfortable level. I, I think the thing to me that like the inconsistency would probably make him crazy, I would imagine. Right. And I think that's what's made his previous team pretty crazy as well. I, I think, you know, Woolen is one of those guys where you could have easily seen him again going into the beginning of last year come away as, as the highest paid one of these free agents in this market just simply based on the tools and frankly the production that we've seen him early in his, early in his career have. But as the seasons have gone on like the, the, the consistency has kind of waned at times. He's been, you know, a high profile case of being burned at some key moments and, and, and just been other defenders on his same team that have started to play better than him. Whether that's about fit in this current scheme or about, you know, just not having the same talent level as those other guys. That's the kind of gamble that you're taking while paying him potentially you know, upwards of, like you said, $15 million a year.

[Marcus Mosher]

I got another guy that I have to ask you about and I, I know the answer, but I need to ask you, Nayshaan Wright, coming off a Pro bowl season where he had a bunch of turnovers, do you bring him back or again, is he similar to Woolen where it's just not a great fit?

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I mean, I think it's not that he's a bad fit, it's just that I think he's probably a better fit in one of those other kind of schemes. Right. And, and I think, you know, it's tough to kind of pay a guy like $7 million that you let walk in free agency and, and you know, you just never expected to that like I think it was you that was saying before the show who would have thought that, that, that. That he would potentially or very likely command a lot more money in free agency than Trayvon Diggs.

[Marcus Mosher]

Well, not only that, I was also looking at Noah Igbonogony, who the Cowboys traded for. They traded. Was that the, the Calvin Joseph trade? I think or so.

[Landon McCool]

Yes. Yes. It was the mutual trash swap. Yes. No.

[Marcus Mosher]

Igbonogony expected to make more money than Trayvon Diggs on the open market, which again, is wild. I, I think right is. I think Wright has shown that he can at least be a starting outside corner, but I think you're going to get in trouble if you're chasing turnovers from a really wonky season.

[Landon McCool]

So it's. Turnovers are fluky. And, and, and if that's the. Specifically what you're trying to pay money for, you know, then you probably haven't learned your lesson from Trayvon Diggs.

[Marcus Mosher]

I think there would also be some people that are wondering about that with the Ron Bland, but I think Bland's

[Landon McCool]

a more complete player, but that's what I would say.

[Marcus Mosher]

Yeah. Is there anybody in this, like, upper value list that you would like to see the Cowboys target? I mean, those are, for the most part, those are the names that are going to go in the first couple days of free agency. But is there anybody else in that range we should mention?

[Landon McCool]

I mean, I'm a fan of. We talked about Alante Taylor from the New Orleans Saints. I think he has some inside, outside versatility and he can do what you need as a slot defender. So I, but I also don't know that I'm like, like $11 million, $12 million a year loving Alante Taylor. So I think it matters depending on what the, the market says there. You know, I, I think that it's, it's, you know, safety has some interesting names a little bit, but not, you know, not at that price range. I think it's, you know, Brian Cook and Cameron Curl are both available. I, I don't know. I, I just think that Curl is again, another guy that I think is a good safety. But, but I don't know that I would, you know, think that he's necessarily a perfect fit for what we're doing. I think more teams might be willing, other teams might be willing to pay him more than what I would be willing to do. And especially since I think that the value at safety is, is probably a little bit lower than it is than these guys are probably going for.

[Marcus Mosher]

And I think there's just going to be a lot more value at corner and safety in this market. The guys are going to be signed between like the 3 and $7 million range. I think that's where the Cowboys are going to be targeting players and I think there's a long list of fits here and we'll get to some of our favorites next. This episode is brought to you by fanduel. Have you ever wanted to experience the NBA Finals live and in person? FanDuel is giving you the chance to turn that dream into reality with their NBA Sweepstakes, and here's how it works. Use your profit boost on any NBA future and and you'll automatically be entered for a shot to win an NBA Finals trip. For two flights tickets. The whole experience is included. I love this time of year for betting on the NBA because we're past the All Star break. You kind of know which teams are contenders and which ones aren't. So go ahead, make your futures bet. Pick the team that you think is going to make a run to the NBA Finals or win their division. It's all available on FanDuel. So visit FanDuel.com to get started and use your profit boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA.

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[Marcus Mosher]

welcome back to the Locked on Cowboys podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen Every single day. The off season doesn't exist for the everyday or club. Join the group chat to talk Cowboys year round and get every episode of the show ad free. Just head over to Loton Cowboys supercast.com or hit the link in the show notes to learn more. All right, let's talk about some real candidates, but those are some fun guys to talk about. But let's talk about the guys that we think like Will McLay is going to love. And I think we have to start with Reed Blankenship.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah.

[Marcus Mosher]

Just because it's a fit with the system. He's a free agent. I don't know if Philadelphia is going to bring him back. What do you think about Reed?

[Landon McCool]

I think he's a perfect fit for what Christian Parker wants to do and I think that's expressed by the fact that he did his job so well while Christian Parker was there with the Eagles. I just think that free safety is such a heady position and to be able to transplant the brain from his previous stop into this new defense, especially at a position that you have a need for, it's just, there's just so much to like about it. First of all, the idea that he, like I said, he, he already knows the defense so he can be a teacher on the field to help kind of, you know, evangelize the, the whole situation. I think that you get a certain amount of extra insight into the free agents, into him as a free agent versus the other safeties. And there's also the idea that you have a good understanding that he is going to be a good fit in this defense because you've seen him play in this defense. So I, I, I think it makes too much sense for the Cowboys to kind of go. That's why like, it's almost like it was kind of coyly, you know, hinted at at the press conference, you know, where they were implying could there be, I mean, to me, when they talk about potential Eagles that could be coming over, Blankenship's the number one name that I think of. Right. It's just there's too many things that align. It makes too much sense.

[Marcus Mosher]

I got another one though, for you.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, sure. Let's hear.

[Marcus Mosher]

What are the Cowboys been looking for? They're looking for a safety that can play in the slot, that can tackle, that has some attitude, got some edge to them. What about somebody that played under Christian Parker before? What about C.J. gardner? Johnson? Now I know, listen. Oh, I know that he's crazy, but, but he played 1200 snaps for the Eagles in 2024. And he was really, really good. Again, I don't. I have no idea what Christian Parker thinks of him. Maybe it was more a Vic Fangio thing. That is the reason why the Eagles decided to move on. I don't know. But that's somebody that's available, that's cheap, and actually plays really, really well in the right defense.

[Landon McCool]

He's. He plays really, really well. So why is he so cheap and available? Marcus. Why is he so cheap and available? Marcus? It's the. It's the.

[Marcus Mosher]

The.

[Landon McCool]

The duck meme. Right?

[Marcus Mosher]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Landon McCool]

I mean, he's.

[Marcus Mosher]

He's a psycho, but he's a really good player.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I got. No, it. You're not gonna convince me in. In the big 2020 to admit that I have to get that guy on my team.

[Marcus Mosher]

I'm just saying, if. It would be really funny if the Cowboys signed him, because that would basically tell you that it was Vic Fangio or Nick Sirianni that didn't want him on their team. Maybe Christian Parker's cool with Gardner Johnson. I don't know.

[Landon McCool]

With psychos. Like, I don't know. Like, I mean, look, I think the problem was the problem with Johnson. Gardner Johnson was not like some hidden away thing that we didn't see behind closed doors like you saw on the field. This dude's a psycho. Nobody should want to play with them. Yeah. I mean, maybe Parker can get something out of him. Maybe you're right. But no, I don't have a ton of interest in him.

[Marcus Mosher]

I got another one for you. This is our Darius Washington, who you probably remember from the draft cycle. Yeah, you want to talk about another psycho? So a Darius Washington tore his Achilles, I believe it was in May. And he came back this season and played meaningful snaps for the Ravens down the stretch. That is wild. Right? But he's also somebody that played in the slot for Baltimore. He is very understyred. You're talking about like a 5 foot 8, 190 pound safety, but he's. He's going to be over a year removed from the injury. He's still pretty young. Baltimore has their two safeties and Kyle Hamilton and Malachi Stark. That's why they're not going to pay him. I do think our Darius Washington is somebody that you can get for 2 or 3 million. That's maybe worth buying low on.

[Landon McCool]

You're just trying to get Jeff Kavanaugh to come on the show. Is that what's going on here?

[Marcus Mosher]

First round. Great. On our Darius Washington. I remember. I remember, Jeff.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah. I mean, look I think obviously, you know, he, he played some good football at the end there and I think that he, you know, wouldn't mind coming home, coming back home to Texas. I'm sure. I love the idea of, of the kind of versatility that he provides and, and I think that he. I don't know that I remember seeing him playing exclusively in the slot, but

[Marcus Mosher]

I moved him all around, all around.

[Landon McCool]

And I remember that he did a lot of that in college too. So. Yeah, I mean, I think it makes some sense. I certainly think that that is probably his best role, right. Playing that kind of move around guy who plays in the slot but isn't necessarily your full time free safety. So, yeah, I think it makes sense. Depending on what the price is like, that could be a situation that you can easily find some value in.

[Marcus Mosher]

Right now on Pro Football Focus, they're estimating a one year, $4 million deal with a guaranteed. Like if you sign them at that price, that's basically what special teamers get. Like there's, there's almost no risk.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, absolutely agree.

[Marcus Mosher]

Who else do you got?

[Landon McCool]

Well, I mean, I. Can I bring up one of, one of your guys that, that. Oh, wait, no, this is a trade target potentially. So no, I should break him up. I, I think to me, like, you know, the guys that I keep looking at in the market that are, you know, that, that interest me are the, like you said, this kind of middle tier of guys, you know, would I want to go kick the tires on a former draft? There's so many like former draft crushes in this. I know Greg Newsom, still not even 26 years old, man. Like, could, could we go see if maybe we can fix this broken toy? Like to me this sounds like a real Will the Clay special. You know, I think there's several of those guys, but I would just look and see he's another guy who's just very heady, smart player. He's. I think he struggled to stay healthy at times when he was at Cleveland and, and then obviously, you know, he ends up in Jacksonville and I, I just, I haven't given up hope on him yet, I think. And I would be interested to see if he could be a reclamation project.

[Marcus Mosher]

Another one would be Cam Taylor Britt, who played really well as a rookie and as a sophomore player for Cincinnati. But he's really regressed the last couple years. He's 26. He's one of these big long corners. He, he was a healthy scratch at times. He's not going to really cost anything. It's the same thing. It's a one year, $3 million deal with no money guaranteed. I just wouldn't be surprised if we see Will McClay in the front office sign multiple of these guys just to see what sticks. I mean, they need bodies in the secondary. I mean, they also need quality starters. But maybe the way to do this is you get, you grab a Cam Taylor Brit, you grab a couple other guys that you had high grades on the past and just hope that one of them fits this new defense.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, there's, there's, there's several different ways to solve this. Right? You're not looking for cornerback one. So it is possible that you get one of these buy low candidates, you hit on it and they play well enough to, you know, get you by. So, you know, as we pointed out several times, like the Eagles themselves went through an entire their super bowl season where they were constantly trying to figure out exactly what to do with that other cornerback position. So, yeah, I think there's lots of different ways to solve this and the Cowboys should try every, you know, angle in order to get the, the talent they need to play defense.

[Marcus Mosher]

I think if you're looking for a number one corner, you're going to be disappointed in free agency. I think if you're looking for a number two corner, you're probably going to be disappointed in free agency. But if you're looking for like that third or fourth guys, like guys that can come in and not get you beat, that's where I think this free agent class is really good, is that there's just a lot of capable guys. Like I'll give you another one, Amik Robertson, who played for the Lions last year, he was overmatched as their number one corner just because they had so many injuries. But if he's your fourth corner, a guy that can play outside and can play in the, in the slot, he'll tackle a little bit. He's only going to cost you three or four million a year. Like to me, that's what I'm interested in. Guys that can just raise the floor of the cornerback room so you're not playing bridges and ready Stewart and guys that just aren't ready to play. I think that's where the Cowboys can find some value this year.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, absolutely. And I think that especially if you're looking for nickel guys, there's, there's tons of different ways to acquire those kind of guys who can come in and play those positions. It's like we were saying off air, it's like the nickel position is very, very important, but it's also not super difficult to fill because, like, it's, it's more about a mentality and about having, you know, an attitude and playing with. With intelligently, which is easier qualities to find than elite athletes with long arms that run four threes.

[Marcus Mosher]

Any interest in bringing back Donovan Wilson? Because right now he's expected to be a free agent. Pro Football Focus has him projected at one year, $1 million, which basically is the vet minimum. He wouldn't be a starter for you anymore, but as a third safety, would you want to bring Wilson back?

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, I mean, I don't know. Like, it's, It's. Even at $2 million, it's almost like I feel like it's time to kind of let some of these younger guys play a little bit. I don't know. Maybe. I, I, I think it depends on how the. I think he's a good fallback option. Right. Like, if you get through the draft, you get the free agency, you don't feel like you have quite the depth that you need. Still. I have a feeling he'll probably still be available. You could probably pick up the phone closer to otas and get him in here and feel good about it.

[Marcus Mosher]

All right, let's talk about some potential trade targets for the Cowboys in the secondary. We'll get to that next. This episode is brought to you by five Hour Energy. Welcome to the five Hour Energy draft. We're looking at every aspect of the draft to let you know which tasty flavors are the best, which ones might be sleepers. The board is set, the flavors are ready, and only one is going to take the top spot. Five Hour Energy has a wide variety of flavors, so they have something for everyone. They give you that boost of energy that you need with zero sugar and no crash. They have so many great flavors right now. I've been locking into the cherry, but I actually had just to get ready for this podcast tonight. I had the sour apple, and the apple actually has a little bit of a. It's like a. A really bold, crisp flavor. I wish I could do a better job of explaining it to you. You're just gonna have to go try it out for yourself because it's absolutely unbelievable. So find your new favorite flavor of 5 hour energy shots available online and at 5hourenergy.com or on Amazon.

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The day begins at the Chase Sapphire lounge by the club at Boston Logan Airport. You get the clam chowder in San Diego, it's Tostadas New York Espresso Martini. It's 10:00am why not? It's the quiet before your next flight, the shower that resets your day, the menu that lets you know where you are. This is access to over 1300 airport lounges and every Sapphire lounge by the club. And one card that gets you in Chase Sapphire Reserve now even more rewarding.

[Marcus Mosher]

Learn [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JPMorgan Chase bank and a member FDIC subject to credit approval. Welcome back to the Lockdown Cowboys podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen every single day. All right, Lena, let's talk about some trade targets. The, the big one here is Minka Fitzpatrick. It sounds like Miami's ready to move on and it's understandable. Miami's trying to clear cap space. They're trying to get some, you know, younger players in the roster. They're trying to tank. However you want to say it, that's what they're trying to do. I think Mika Fitzpatrick is going to count 15.6 million against the King cap this year. No guaranteed money. Likely looking for a long term deal but wouldn't cost more than probably a day three pick swap.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah and I think, you know, salary dump situation. It's, it's, we're having a fire sale like situation with, with Miami. It's everything must go. And so yeah, I think, you know, we were having conversations on, on, on Twitter earlier about this and, and people were like, I, I don't think a fourth rounder will get it done. I'm like, I think it will. I think they, they need to get rid of this, the salary cap, the salary situation. So yeah, I do think that Miami is in kind of a unique situation and if you can find value in any of those players that they're selling, you might be able to get a deal. Now the question becomes like what does a deal look like for a 29 year old Minka Fitzpatrick and is that something that you want to do in the middle of this kind of rebuild situation? So, you know, I think that's, that's where, where things kind of fall a little bit blurry. Right? I think you're right in thinking that day three pick, pick, swap. Like, you know, that's probably the cost for the trade, the cost for the player. I mean would you pay him two years, $29 million? Maybe.

[Marcus Mosher]

Probably. From what I saw last year, he was really good and he was on a, he was on a bad Dolphins team but not a bad Miami defense. The defense actually played pretty well under Anthony Weaver. I think you put him on it. I know the Cowboys defense is not good right now either, but a defense that has, you know, some really good defensive linemen that should be better at creating pressure. He's somebody that does play in the slot. He can play as your free safety. He can play in the box. To me, that's like the ideal safety that Christian Parker is looking for.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah. And I think, you know, if you're talking about, let's say maybe it was a three year 30, like maybe you have a void year in there so this. You can play, however, a little bit. Yeah, because I do think you do. I mean, he's. If he's standing to make $15 million this year, you're going to want to lower that, Find a way to lower that cap number down just a little bit. But yeah, I do think that, you know, he's, he's a guy that, like, that's, that was his stated value coming out, is that this is a guy who can do anything.

[Marcus Mosher]

He's.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, yeah, he can be your free safety, but don't, don't limit him to that. And I think that's actually been the, the part, the times that he's had the most problems is it felt like when he's been in defenses where they did try to just limit it, limit him to one spot or one role. It's just, you know, his, his value is being able to kind of play a bunch of different roles and being deployed that way. So I think he'd be a good fit.

[Marcus Mosher]

I got another one. And actually this was the player that Mika Fitzpatrick was traded for last offseason, coincidentally enough, Jalen Ramsey, because right now he's expected to count about $19 million against Pittsburgh's cap. I just don't see Pittsburgh doing that. Pittsburgh actually moved him from an outside corner to a safety last year because he just doesn't have the juice anymore to be that outside guy. So they moved him into the slot and actually I thought he played fairly well. I think as a, like a zone coverage guy, he's okay. But where he's really valuable at this stage of his career, he is an awesome tackler, and I believe he was the number 10 graded safety in run defense. He's still super physical. He brings an edge to your defense. And if you're looking for one of these bigger slot defenders that can be a linebacker, that can be a safety, I think Jalen Ramsey, I know he's 31, he's going to be 32 this season. I still think he can play a Little bit. I think Pittsburgh's either going to cut him or they're going to trade him for a late round pick. He's somebody that I am interested in.

[Landon McCool]

Yeah, this was the player that I almost stumbled into last, last segment. You know, he's an interesting guy because of where he is at the stage of his career, you know, and, and, and I think if he is willing to kind of take on that role of the, you know, more of a glue guy, you're not the superstar really anymore, but if as a heady vet who can play this, you know, key role, this key position, but maybe not necessarily, you know, view himself as the wide receiver, one eraser anymore, you know, I think in that role, I, I think that there is some value. Now the question becomes again with him, what's the value of 31 year old Jalen Ramsey? Obviously it's not $19 million. Is that what. Yeah, obviously it's not that. So what are you paying Jalen Ramsey? And, and is he willing to, you know, kind of be traded? I guess, I mean, like, you know, it's an interesting question. Like, then it becomes like, do you need to trade for him or can you wait to see if he gets into the, into the open market?

[Marcus Mosher]

Well, I think the thing is you, I think what the, what you do is you trade a six round pick and you get back Ramsey in the seventh, right. Or whatever and then you just renegotiate his contract from there rather than having to bid, you know, on the free agent market. Again, I still think he can play. Don't think of him as all pro cornerback, Ramsey. Think of somebody that's a really good tackler, that's long, he's a very, very good blitzer. And if you need someone to be physical at the line of scrimmage and reroute corners and match up against tight ends, he can do that. You just don't want to pay him 19 million a year.

[Landon McCool]

Think about him as the corner, the defensive back version of JV on Clowney.

[Marcus Mosher]

Exactly.

[Landon McCool]

Yes. That's where he is in his career. He's just still wants to play football because he loves football. You shouldn't rely on him as a superstar anymore though.

[Marcus Mosher]

All right, that is it for today's show. We'd like to thank you for making Locked on Cowboys your first listen every single day. If you never missed an episode, the everyday club is built for you. Get locked on Cowboys ad free members only, discord access and so much more. Head over to lockon cowboys supercast.com to join the club. And for those of you on video, we can send you the first ever 24. 7 national NBA YouTube channel and on audio, make your second listen the NFL Draft podcast. Follow Landon on Twitter Cool bcb I'm at Marcus Underscore Moer and enjoy your weekend. We'll see you right back here on Monday.

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The day begins at the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the club at Boston Logan Airport. You get the clam chowder in San Diego. It's Tostadas New York Espresso Martini. It's 10am why not? It's the quiet before your next flight, the shower that resets your day, the menu that lets you know where you are. This is access to over 1300 airport lounges and every Saturday Sapphire Lounge by the club and one card that gets you in Chase Sapphire Reserve now even more rewarding.

[Marcus Mosher]

Learn [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JP Morgan Chase bank and a member FDIC subject to credit approval.

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