3 McCarthy linked free agents that could alter Cowboys 2020 NFL Draft plans
By Randy Gurzi
1. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S
Yes, Mike McCarthy is an offensive-minded coach, but this list is not full of offensive players. Outside of trying to get Cobb to re-sign, there aren’t many former players on that side of the ball that Dallas can go after. There are plenty on defense though.
After looking at Mike Daniels, we now have a potential safety that could help Dallas out in Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The 21st overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Clinton-Dix became a full-time starter during his rookie season and played in 71 games for the Packers. In that span, he had 351 tackles, 14 picks, 25 pass defenses, and three forced fumbles.
He was then traded to the Washington Redskins in the middle of the 2018 season as Green Bay was not interested in signing him long-term. The Redskins didn’t either and he went to the Chicago Bears on a one-year $5.5 million deal.
He ended up playing well, recording 78 tackles and two interceptions — including one pick-six — but is again set to hit the open market. This means for the third time in three seasons, Dallas will have a chance to sign him, and they may be more inclined to do so now.
Back when Jason Garrett was the head coach, he and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli criminally neglected the safety position. They continued to trot out late-round draft picks and undrafted free agents. The only time anyone with serious pedigree got a crack came when they used a first-round pick on Byron Jones, but he was a cornerback by trade and has improved mightily once moving back to that position.
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Still in need of a safety, the Cowboys could add Clinton-Dix which would really alter their draft plans. Right now, it looks as though that is the No. 1 need on the roster. That wouldn’t be the case if they landed this reliable starter in free agency.