Dallas Cowboys still looking for help at kicker and offensive line in free agency
Don’t look for any big-ticket items, but the Dallas Cowboys are not done in free agency.
The team has a wanted sign out for veteran help at kicker and the offensive line, per vice president Stephen Jones.
The Cowboys released kicker Zuerlein and his $2.25 million salary last month for salary cap reasons.
Although the missed six field goal attempts (29-of-35) and six point-after tries (42-of-48) in 2021, which ranked in the bottom third of the NFL, the team had hoped to re-sign him.
But Zuerlein decided to join the New York Jets on Sunday.
The lone kicker on the Cowboys roster is Arlington native Chris Naggar, who played in college at Texas and SMU. He spent time with the Cleveland Browns in 2021 and has one career field goal attempt.
“Obviously, we have to figure out the kicking situation,” Jones said.
Jones said the Cowboys would also like another veteran option or two on the offensive line so they don’t have to reach in the NFL Draft.
The Cowboys lost guard Connor Williams in free agency. They released right tackle La’el Collins, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and they have no plans to bring back veteran swing tackle Ty Nsekhe.
The Cowboys feel good about Terence Steele taking over the starting spot at right tackle opposite left tackle Tyron Smith.
But they have no experience behind them.
Josh Ball, a 2021 fourth-round pick, has potential. But he missed his rookie season on injured reserve.
The Cowboys are targeting Connor McGovern to step in at left guard for Williams. But they would like some added competition at the position. McGovern has just 14 career starts since being taken in the third round in 2019.
The Cowboys will most certainly take an offensive lineman in the 2022 NFL Draft. But they want to also add one or two in free agency.
“I think in order for us to accomplish what we want and keep our draft pure we would like to get a player or two there so we won’t feel pushed to go too high early and often,” Jones said.
This story was originally published March 30, 2022 at 5:30 AM.
