Dallas Cowboys bolster offensive line, sign free agent and former first-round pick
Erving, who played with the Kansas City Chiefs for the past three seasons, became available after the Chiefs declined to pick up the option on his contract. He signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys.
The 27-year-old Florida State-product was selected 19th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2015 draft. He was traded to Kansas City in 2017.
He is clearly seen as disappointment as a former first-round pick, flaming out in both Cleveland and Kansas City. But he is perfectly cast in Dallas as a cheap potential option to replace Cameron Fleming as the backup swing tackle.
Erving started 25 games at both guard and tackle with the Chiefs, including eight starts at left tackle during the team’s run to the Super Bowl title last season.
Swing tackle is an important role for the Cowboys as left tackle Tyron Smith has missed three games in each of the last four seasons.
It’s the continuation of an offseason remake by the Cowboys under new coach Mike McCarthy, as Erving is the ninth veteran free-agent addition, joining defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe, cornerback Daryl Worley and Maurice Canady, safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, tight end Blake Bell, kicker Greg Zeurlein and quarterback Andy Dalton.
This story was originally published May 6, 2020 at 2:44 PM.
