Dallas Cowboys: Why the Cowboys Should Pursue Charles Woodson

On Friday, the Green Bay Packers released their legendary cover man Charles Woodson after seven years with the team, making him a free agent. 

And the Dallas Cowboys, a team desperate for safety help, should actively pursue the talented veteran.

As we all know, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is not one to hide from the spotlight—always looking to make the next big splash. Signing Woodson could be that splash.

But why should Dallas, a team with limited cap space, sign an aging veteran at the decline of his career? It seems a bit crazy.

Maybe.

First, let's take a look at who the Cowboys currently have at the position.

The Cowboys have free safeties Gerald Sensabaugh and Charlie Peprah along with strong safeties Danny McCray, Eric Frampton and an injured Barry Church. It is not the strongest unit in the league—by a long shot.

Sensabaugh has been the most consistent safety of the group, but even he possesses questionable coverage skills. Church showed little promise, and an early injury sidelined him for the majority of last season.

The other players have proved they are average, at best.

Needless to say, safety has been one of the major Achilles‘ heels for the organization since Darren Woodson retired in 2004. That's eight seasons of inconsistent play and a large part of the Cowboys' sputtering defense.

Still, how could the 36-year-old veteran help reverse the Cowboys' downward spiral almost immediately?

Here are some positives Woodson would bring to Dallas.

Coverage

The Cowboys struggled in coverage, especially against the deep ball. Whether by blown assignments, bad angles or flat out being burned—the current safeties could not contain their opponents.

Charles Woodson is an extremely disciplined player who understands the "X's and O's" of the position.

He is rarely caught out of position. Although he may not have the speed that he did in his prime, Woodson can still hang with opposing receivers.

Tackling

Woodson has always been labeled a fantastic tackler, but his best days are behind him.

That being said, the Dallas Cowboys secondary has been notoriously known as bad tacklers.

Even Sensabaugh, who can hit like a ton of bricks, has let too many opponents slip through his hit. Woodson at 70 percent is a step up from the Cowboys' current situation.

Turnovers

Another skill Woodson brings to the table would be his uncanny ability to create turnovers.

He's currently ranked in the top 20 of all time for career interceptions.

The Cowboys defense finished tied at the bottom of the league last season with seven interceptions. Aside from interceptions, Woodson throughout his career has been a master when it comes to forcing fumbles. 

Turnovers are vital to teams winning or losing games. Woodson could potentially be a game-changer in Dallas.

Leadership

The Cowboys lack discipline and leadership, as the club commits far too many penalties and mental mistakes. Woodson has a very high football IQ and natural leadership quality on and off the field, which is an underrated intangible the Cowboys desperately need.

There are, without question, risks if the Cowboys were to sign Woodson.

He has been plagued with injuries over the last couple of seasons and has noticeably lost a step in his game. But his leadership, football smarts and proven track record would immediately help a team chasing a Super Bowl dream.