Cowboys: 3 free agents who could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans

Justin Simmons, Safety

The Cowboys have not had a good consistent secondary for quite some time, however, the addition of Trevon Diggs last year in the draft seemed to boost that up a little bit. There are still many holes to fill as the NFL is slowly changing to make the nickel set used much more than in the previous decade. Forcing many teams to add more defensive backs, even some who are just slot players.

Dallas last year allowed over 500 yards of offense four times, allowed over 250 passing yards six times, and allowed over 425 passing yards three times.

Corners and safeties are a massive need right now and Justin Simmons is the top safety on the market this year. 2021 will be his fifth year in the league for the 6-foot-2 202 pound safety. Amassing 16 interceptions and 37 pass break-ups over his five seasons in Denver. Not to mention over the last three seasons as a full-time starter Simmons has not missed one single game.

He will instantly come into the team and be the best player in the secondary, and they might be able to get him in on a two-year deal and not have to break the bank. This could have a ripple effect as far as the draft goes.

The Cowboys currently pick 10th in the draft. Adding Simmons would possibly take them out of the running of Patrick Surtain II or Caleb Farley if they slip down that far and allow them to move into looking at pass rush. The pass rush has also been an issue for Dallas in recent years.

Only two players last year had more than five sacks in Aldon Smith and Demarcus Lawrence, Smith may not be on the team in 2021 and has had his own share off-the-field issues. Dallas could use this pick to look at Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons, arguably the best pass rusher in the draft, or a high-end defensive end or defensive tackle.