The Dallas Cowboys could sign this veteran free agent to shore up a problem area on defense

There are still moves to be made by the Cowboys, but will they do any before camp?

With training camp on the mind, thoughts turn to bringing in just a little bit more help before the practices begin. There are still some “name” free agents out there who will eventually be signed by teams, the question is will the Cowboys dip their toe in that pool, either before training camp or before the season begins?

If the Cowboys are going to go out and bring in a free agent at this point, it’s likely going to be someone they think can help the defense. There are a few position groups on that side of the ball that, from the outside, still look a little unsettled. Yesterday we hit on one with the cornerback group. Ever since Dan Quinn was hired to be the defensive coordinator, people have been connecting the dots between him and Richard Sherman. The Cowboys cornerback group is thought to be a weak spot.

Another weak spot for the Cowboys in 2020 was at defensive tackle. Teams ran on the Cowboys like a nose with a cold in winter. Between poor play at defensive tackle and similar issues at linebacker, there were some truly horrible displays of run defense by the Cowboys in 2020. The team certainly recognized the problem as they signed two free agents who could help inside (Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins), and the also drafted a couple of guys (Osa Odighizuwa and Quinton Bohanna).

But is it enough? Or could they benefit from a “name” veteran who has been there and done that at a high level? Bleacher Report suggests the Cowboys go out and get themselves one more defensive tackle, naming Kawann Short as them man.

Dallas Cowboys: Sign DT Kawann Short

The Dallas Cowboys are almost always linked to any splashy move with the potential to occur. The team isn’t in the financial space to make something along those lines happen.

As of now, the Cowboys have $5.8 million in available salary-cap space, but they’re already over the projected numbers for the 2022 and ‘23 campaigns.

So, the team can only make a minor, short-term move to improve this year’s squad.

Kawann Short may not be the player he once was. In fact, the defensive lineman played in only five games over the last two seasons because of shoulder issues. But the Cowboys need help along their defensive interior. A year ago, Dallas finished 31st against the run. The team didn’t add much to the position.

Short on a one-year, prove-it deal couldn’t hurt the team. He may even be able to help.

Whether the Cowboys added much to the position is debatable. There are certainly high hopes for players like Urban, Odighizuwa and Bohanna. Still, adding a veteran could prove to be a smart move. The questions is – is Short the right guy?

We’ve had discussions before about the team adding a defensive tackle, but most of the time that is in reference to Geno Atkins. He is also coming off injury but was still productive before that happened. The Cowboys team doctor is checking Atkins out to give him the all clear for his torn rotator cuff.

Atkins has had the more decorated career, but Short is a year younger and has significantly less wear on the tread. Atkins has played in 161 games while Short has only played in 99. There was a stretch before he got hurt in 2019 when Short was having some pretty solid years.

If the Cowboys were going to invest in one of the two, Short or Atkins, which one would you choose? Or would you just pass on both?