Team vice president Stephen Jones attempted to justify the Dallas Cowboys’ lack of movement during the first few days of NFL free agency last month by pointing out that clubs typically overpay and that smart deals can be found once the dust settles.
But the dust has settled. And in spite of their obvious needs at linebacker, defensive end, running back, and receiver, the Cowboys have still made very little progress in the market. The offensive line, where starting left tackle Tyron Smith was lost to the Jets and center Tyler Biadasz departed for Washington, may have the most obvious need.
That removes 40% of the offensive line, which includes the group’s most crucial position.
Although head coach Mike McCarthy has stated that the initial intention is to leave Smith where he is, the Cowboys could shift Tyler Smith from left guard to tackle to replace Tyron Smith. TJ Bass or Chuma Edoga may end up starting, with Brock Hoffman, a third-year player, taking over at center.
Perhaps there is another way, though: bringing out the seldom-used free-agent pen and acquiring big-time former first-round selection Mekhi Becton from the Jets.
In an article published on Sunday under the title “1 Free Agent Still on the Market Who Can Help Each NFL Team in 2024,” Bleacher Report put forward this idea. Becton, a free agent, is a great suit for the Cowboys since he can play numerous spots on the line.
Although he played there in the NFL, he was predominantly a left tackle in college.
Becton will turn 25 next week, yet he is still just 24. This is B/R’s perspective:
Tyler Smith is now expected to go from left guard to left tackle, but acquiring Becton might allow the All-Pro to continue playing his best position. Smith has experience at right tackle, having started a few games there last season and going all the way back to his college days at Louisville, even if Dallas wants to leave him on the outside.
Therefore, Becton could be the solution at several offensive line positions and could be obtained at a cheap price.
According to Pro Football Focus, he is worth a $5 million, one-year contract. Considering the dearth of available cap space, that’s probably about what he would earn at this moment.
However, he is a steal. According to Spotrac, he has a $12.9 million annual market value and is deserving of a $39 million contract that would last three years.
Among the best unsigned players still available in free agency, Pro Football Focus ranks Becton as the No. 48 overall player.
When Becton was chosen by New York with the 11th overall choice in the 2020 NFL draft, high expectations were placed on him. However, Becton’s surgically repaired right knee suffered a shattered kneecap, which he attributed on the Jets.
Between his rookie season and 2023, the 6-foot-7, 363-pound Becton participated in just one game due to an injury and inadequate conditioning.
However, after declining his 2024 option, Becton returned to the Jets starting lineup for 16 games and had a healthy, respectable season. However, he missed all of Week 11 due to a high ankle sprain that occurred in Week 10. Even though he has been a draft disappointment thus far, he still has potential, even if he needs to get more professionally and physically fit.
