Cowboys: 2021 NFL Draft primer as excitement surrounds Dak Prescott

Cowboys off-season summary

The undisputed “move of the year” for the Cowboys was bringing back Dak Prescott. The star quarterback signed a four-year extension last month, tying him to Dallas through 2024. Prescott was the lone bright spot for the Cowboys when he was healthy, as his record-setting statistical pace was the only thing keeping Dallas in games.

The other monumental move for the Cowboys was the changing of the guard at defensive coordinator. Dan Quinn likely brings his “Seattle Cover-3” to the Cowboys after being fired by the Falcons. The risk with Quinn is the fact that he has not led an elite defense since his Seahawks days, where his defenses were star-studded. However, the changing of the scheme will help the Cowboys improve from the awful Nolan defense.

The Cowboys have been relatively quiet in free agency as they were rather limited in terms of available cap space. Many of the Cowboys’ free agent moves were mainly depth additions. A heavy focus on the pass defense was evident as the Cowboys added defensive backs Keanu Neal (who will allegedly play sub-linebacker), Jayron Kearse, and Damontae Kazee. On the defensive line, Dallas added Carlos Watkins, Terrell Basham, and Brent Urban. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis also received an extension.

Dallas will also be losing some of their depth from last season, with the biggest name being cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. Defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford announced his retirement as well. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton also signed with the Chicago Bears. One free agent who has not yet signed anywhere is center Joe Looney, who was a serviceable replacement for Travis Frederick after his retirement.