The Dallas Cowboys are being advised to bring a former Philadelphia Eagles starter onto their team.
The Cowboys suffered a significant defeat against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday,
September 15, with a score of 44-19. In an article published on September 16 for Bleacher Report, NFL analyst Matt Holder described it as a “humbling” Week 2 for Coach Mike McCarthy’s squad, noting that the Saints took an early lead and maintained it throughout the game.
This leaves the Cowboys looking for solutions as they head into their next game against Baltimore with a 1-1 record. Holder also highlights a former Eagles player who he believes the Cowboys should sign immediately.
In his article titled “Prioritizing Every Roster’s Biggest Weaknesses Before Week 3,” Holder suggests that the Cowboys should consider adding linebacker Zach Cunningham to their roster.
He has flagged Cunningham with an “add now” recommendation.
Despite the Cowboys’ linebackers performing well in their first game of the season, they had difficulties containing Alvin Kamara in their recent match.
Kamara accumulated 115 rushing yards (averaging 5.8 yards per carry) and scored four touchdowns, along with 65 receiving yards and another touchdown.
Cunningham might be able to help manage the running game and could be a useful addition to the practice squad, serving as a contingency plan.Cunningham was drafted by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft as the 57th overall pick.
He was waived by the Texans in December 2021, and the Tennessee Titans claimed him off waivers the same month.
After being released by the Texans in February 2023, the Eagles signed him in August 2023. Cunningham became a free agent in March 2023.Holder mentions that Cunningham’s stint with the Eagles was less than impressive.
Over his single season with Philadelphia, Cunningham recorded 54 solo tackles, four pass deflections, and a fumble recovery in 13 games.
His performance was generally unremarkable, and he struggled as the season went on, finishing with a Pro Football Focus defensive grade of 59.6 or worse in six of his last nine games.
Holder further comments that Cunningham’s inconsistencies as a tackler and pass rusher, along with his issues in coverage, have limited his opportunities.
He needs to demonstrate a more comprehensive skill set to improve his prospects for future employment.
In addition to recommending Cunningham, Holder also suggests that the Cowboys target Tutu Atwell from the Los Angeles Rams during the 2024 NFL free agency period.
Holder points out that Brandin Cooks, a speedy wide receiver for the Cowboys, is set to become a free agent and will turn 31 by the end of the month.
Furthermore, several other players on the Cowboys’ roster are nearing the end of their contracts and might take precedence over Cooks. If Cooks is not re-signed, the Cowboys will need to find a new deep threat for their offense.
Atwell could fulfill this role. Known for his speed since his college days, Atwell would be a more cost-effective option compared to Cooks.
While he may not offer the same level of overall performance as Cooks, the 24- year-old (turning 25 next month) could still be a valuable asset by providing a deep threat and stretching the defenses.
Thus, the article underscores the need for the Cowboys to make strategic roster adjustments, particularly by considering Cunningham for their linebacker position and potentially targeting Atwell as a future wide receiver addition.
