The Cowboys are in need of defensive reinforcements, and they could look to the NFC South to improve their secondary.
The Dallas Cowboys will be working overtime this offseason to overhaul the defense for new coordinator Christian Parker.
Yes, sorting out the futures of George Pickens and Brandon Aubrey are also top of the to-do list, but free agency and the draft will have, we think, a rather distinct defensive flavour.
There are several needs, at corner, safety, edge, and linebacker, with the Cowboys also having two first-round picks at their disposal.
In an ideal world, the Cowboys would be aggressive in free agency and fill as many holes as they can. That would allow the franchise to go BPA (best player available), with its two draft picks.
So, if the Cowboys were to look to free agency to shore up their defense, who could/should they look at?
Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine has labeled Tampa Bay Buccaneers corner Jamel Dean as Dallas' perfect free agency signing.
"No one gave up more passing yards than the Dallas Cowboys this season," Ballentine wrote. "They already released Trevon Diggs and they should be on the lookout for all avenues to improve their cornerback room this offseason.
"Jamel Dean's market will have to take into account that he's already 29 years old, but Dallas needs production and leadership. Dean can provide both and stabilize one of the league's most unstable position groups from last season."
Dean would give the Cowboys secondary, which has a host of younger players, most notably Shavon Revel Jr., an injection of leadership, something that would appeal to Parker.
Spotrac.com has Dean's market value at $12.5 million, but given his age, the Cowboys could get him for a little cheaper than that if they wanted to.
With the secondary a major area of concern last year, given the sheer number of big, explosive plays given up, Dean could help keep a lid on it.
His veteran smarts and the ability to be a leader the defense sorely needs are something the Cowboys desperately need.
Now, will they be willing to pay up for a 29-year-old? That is the big question, but it is clear Dean still has juice in the tank, but he's never played a full year in his career.
Although 2025 was the most number of games he's played since 2022 (14).
Either way, the Cowboys could do with a player of Dean's caliber, and our own Mike Fisher had named Dean as a possible option for Dallas as well.
A sturdy veteran who could help be the glue that keeps Parker's defense together?
Sure, why not?