Why Za’Darius Smith is an ideal fit for Dallas Cowboys in free agency

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The Dallas Cowboys pass rush took a step back in 2023, but plenty of quality players are on the market on March 13 when free agency opens.

The Cowboys registered 46 sacks over the previous regular season, eight fewer than in 2022.

Getting to the quarterback was particularly difficult for them down the stretch of the previous campaign.

Dallas had a sack or fewer in four of their final five regular-season contests.

They failed to get a single sack in their disastrous playoff defeat to the Green Bay Packers, and Jordan Love took advantage, tossing three touchdown passes in a 48-32 victory.

Cowboys should consider Za’Darius Smith

One of the many highly touted defensive ends available next month will be Za’Darius Smith.

The Cowboys were reportedly interested in signing Smith in March 2022, according to CowboysSI.com.

He went to the Minnesota Vikings instead before coming to the Cleveland Browns in 2023.

Smith previous featured with the Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers, though not when Mike McCarthy or Mike Zimmer were in charge of the Packers or Vikings.

Last season, the Cleveland Browns were the #1 defensive unit in the NFL, allowing 270.2 yards per contest.

In 16 games, Smith had 27 tackles, with 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

Those totals were relatively low, given the numbers he’s had throughout his career.

However, Smith’s still shown consistency during his NFL career, making the Pro Bowl three times.

Which Cowboys edge rushers are on the market?

Two defensive ends are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents for the Cowboys in the middle of March.

Dorance Armstrong was second in sacks for Dallas in 2023, registering 7.5.

That’s just one fewer than his career high from 2022, while he had a career-high 38 tackles.

Dante Fowler didn’t get much playing time last season, with a career-low eight solo tackles and just four sacks.

Armstrong has proven to be a consistent performer, and the Cowboys will likely offer him a long-term deal.

Fowler, on the other hand, could be expendable.

He only cost Jerry Jones a cap hit of $3 million last season, per Spotrac, and he may be joining former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn in Washington.

How much Za’Darius Smith would cost

Per Spotrac Smith earned over $11 million with the Browns a season ago.

The Browns cap hit in 2023 was over $3 million.

Smith would likely carry a similar cap hit with whatever team he signs with.

Given his lower numbers, Smith might come at a discount for the Cowboys.

Pros of signing Smith

Smith’s versatility and consistency when he’s 100% are an asset.

More than that, he provides energy to a defensive unit, something that Mike Zimmer’s group could use in 2024.

He’s excellent at shedding blockers, capable of doing the dirty work on the interior, and has great leadership qualities and is a good run stopper.

Those are all qualities in short supply for the Cowboys defense.

He’d also probably cost less than other high-profile pass rushers like Chris Jones, Chase Young and Josh Allen, to name a few.

He’d also be an extra person for opposing O-linemen to think about, which could open the door for Armstrong or DeMarcus Lawrence and others to do some damage.

Cons of signing Smith

The biggest unknown surrounding Smith is his health.

He injured his back in 2021 and signing him could be a risk.

His ability to bend and trim the edge isn’t great, and his athletic ability is not terribly exciting, but he gets the job done.