The Dallas Cowboys are going through a lot of changes, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The Cowboys will be seeing their former defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, twice a year with the Washington Commanders for the foreseeable future as the team’s rival hired him as their head coach. He also brought secondary coach/passing game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. as Washington’s new defensive coordinator.
Quinn played a vital role in turning around a Cowboys defense that gave up 29.6 points per game in 2020. In the time that he was the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, the defense finished top 10 in points allowed, ranking fifth during the 2023 season. The Cowboys were also fifth in total yards allowed and tied for 12th in turnovers. He was named Assistant Coach of the Year by The Associated Press in 2021.
With several Dallas Cowboys set to test free agency, it’s possible they may see some of their ex-teammates — Dante Fowler Jr., in particular — standing on the Commanders’ sideline with Quinn.
Fowler has a deep history with Quinn. The former third overall pick was coached by him at Florida and then played for him with the Atlanta Falcons. Eventually, Quinn led Fowler to the Cowboys where Fowler had 10 sacks over two seasons.
Going to the Commanders only makes sense for Fowler. He’s clearly a favored personnel choice, and the next coordinator in Dallas may not evaluate the same. That being said, the Jones family is the true constant in their recruiting and Fowler has been a solid addition.
Dallas Cowboys Projected To Trade For Joey Bosa?
Jerry Jones’ comments about going “all in” has prompted plenty of rumors on potential trades and free agency. Could the Cowboys take a big swing on trying to land Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa?
It is unlikely, but Bleacher Report’s Nate LeJoie believes the Cowboys are “desperate” enough to sniff around. The NFL analyst estimates that Bosa’s trade value is a first-round pick. Would Dallas be willing to send the No. 24 selection to the Chargers for Bosa?
“I think Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, they would be able to do it [work out the financials for Bosa],” LaJoie explained during a February 15, 2024 Bleacher Report live session. “Get his money in a big bonus initially or whatever the case may be.”
LaJoie continues to make his case as to why Joey Bosa landing in Dallas could be a real possibility.
“I think they could get his cap hit down to between $10 and $12 million, which is far more reasonable than the other situation we’re talking about. So honestly, I think Dallas could be a very, very reasonable spot for him. I don’t think that there’s going to be many teams in on him.
“…I think that they’re desperate right now. We know how desperate the Dallas Cowboys are, right? If they fail to win a playoff game this next year, heads will roll.”
The Chargers have an out in Bosa’s contract this offseason, but new head coach Jim Harbaugh likely wants to keep the star pass rusher. Yet, the Chargers find themselves in salary cap hell with little results to show for all the spending. Bosa is slated to have a $15 million salary in 2024 which is accompanied by a massive $36.6 million cap hit.
“I think this could be the kind of deal that could put that defense over the top, assuming that they stay healthy,” LaJoie added. “…I do think that Dallas makes sense [for Bosa]. And I think that Jerry Jones is going to be incredibly desperate this offseason to make a big splash in order to sort of relieve some pressure from his fan base.”
