Grading the Dallas Cowboys' Free-Agency Moves so Far
While it started, the Dallas Cowboys have been much more active throughout free agency as of late. The biggest news is that they let DeMarco Murray walk to the division rival Philadelphia Eagles, per The Dallas Morning News' Brandon George.
However, that move illustrated the new philosophy of the front office to not overpay for past performance, but instead to look for acquisitions that gave them the most value.
If you look at the bulk of the Cowboys' moves thus far (as we will in the coming slides), you'll see that the Cowboys made fiscally responsible decisions that will bode well for the future.
With that in mind, let's grade each of the Cowboys' free-agent moves thus far.
Jed Collins
1 of 6
The Cowboys signed former Detroit Lions fullback Jed Collins on March 12 to a one-year contract worth $810,000, per the team's official website.
Collins is a player who appears to have been brought in to compete for the starting fullback job during training camp. Collins is an inexpensive option who can make a considerable impact for the Cowboys in 2015.
He isn't the smashmouth fullback whom everyone wants; instead, he uses footwork and athletic ability to turn defenders and open up creases for ball-carriers.
Another positive is that Collins brings special teams value as well. In the Cowboys scheme, the fullback doesn't play a majority of the offensive plays; therefore, whoever the fullback is must be able to play significant snaps on special teams.
Collins isn't the best signing in the world, but he is a low-risk, moderate-reward acquisition, and you can't criticize the Cowboys for that.
Grade: B
Ray Agnew
2 of 6
Ray Agnew was another fullback who agreed to terms with the Cowboys, per the team's official website. Agnew is another player who appears to be brought into play and compete for the vacant fullback position on the Cowboys roster during training camp.
Agnew appears to be a much more inconsistent fullback than Collins as he was graded at minus-7.2, per Pro Football Focus, which was the third-worst among qualifying fullbacks last season.
Agnew will need to prove that he can make an impact on special teams if he wants to stick around during training camp.
At the moment, Collins appears to be the favorite to win the job, but there is always the possibility of Agnew fitting better in the Cowboys scheme, which could lead to him making the roster.
Agnew is another low-risk move for the Cowboys who could make a difference. At worst, he is a training-camp body who makes minimal impact, which isn't too bad for the Cowboys' investment.
Grade: C+
Jasper Brinkley
3 of 6
One of the best acquisitions the Cowboys have made thus far was signing Jasper Brinkley to a two-year deal, per the team's official website.
Brinkley is a downhill thumper, who thrives in run support. He is an extremely explosive player who comes downhill quick, fast and in a hurry.
While he thrives against the run, Brinkley appears lost at times in coverage. He doesn't have the best movement skills, and he struggles to play with awareness in zone.
Brinkley will likely be a reserve "Mike" linebacker who is the backup to Sean Lee or Rolando McClain (if he gets brought back). When needed, Brinkley can be a great two-down linebacker, but he will likely have to come off the field in obvious throwing situations.
Brinkley will also make an impact on special teams as he has had throughout his career.
Overall, Brinkley was a great acquisition who will provide valuable depth for the Cowboys throughout this season.
Grade: B+
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Darren McFadden
4 of 6
The highest-profile signing the Dallas Cowboys made was when they signed Darren McFadden to a two-year deal worth $5.8 million, per the team's official website.
McFadden is an explosive running back who has the type of speed to score from anywhere on the field. He combines that with solid receiving skills and the ability to pass protect.
Throughout his career, McFadden has been hampered by injuries, and it has significantly reduced the type of production he could have.
The problem with signing McFadden is that he doesn't appear to be a good fit in the Cowboys' zone-blocking scheme. He doesn't do as well moving laterally as he does downhill, so it will be interesting to see if he does better behind the Cowboys offensive line.
McFadden is another low-risk, high-reward move that could really pay off for Dallas, but they have to worry how he will fit in the Cowboys running scheme.
Grade: B
Corey White
5 of 6
One of the underrated moves of free agency thus far was the Cowboys claiming cornerback Corey White off waivers from the New Orleans Saints, per the team's official website.
White is a player who was miscast in the Saints' defensive scheme last year, which led him to have some significant struggles last year. While White is much better in zone coverage, he was placed mostly in man, which set him up to lose.
White is a player who can play on the outside or in the slot where he can utilize his quick feet and short-area quickness. He isn't the type of cornerback you want to be playing the opposing team's No. 1 receiver, but he can more than hold his own against the No. 2 or No. 3 receivers on opposing teams.
With how well he plays in the slot, the acquisition of White could allow Dallas to keep Orlando Scandrick on the outside, which would allow them to match up better with opposing teams' personnel.
White has the ability to make a significant difference on the Cowboys defense this year as he could improve Dallas' ability to cover when teams play with three, four or five wide receiver sets.
He likely won't ever start, but claiming White was a savvy move by the Cowboys' front office.
Grade: B+
Andrew Gachkar
6 of 6
Continuing the trend of getting the most value out of free agency, the Cowboys signed former San Diego Chargers linebacker Andrew Gachkar to a two-year deal worth up to $5.5 million, per the team's official website.
Gachkar's ability as a player was summed up best by BoltsfromtheBlue.com's Kyle Posey when he said:
"@johnowning he’s a guy that’ll make plays with hustle. Plays hard & it shows. Not great @ POA of an athlete. Inconsistent tackler. ++ ST
— Kyle Posey (@The_KP_Show) March 15, 2015"
Gachkar is likely another player who will provide valuable depth at linebacker, while making a considerable impact on special teams.
He has previous experience with Cowboys linebacker coach Matt Eberflus from his time with Missouri and Cowboys special teams coach Rich Bisaccia with the Chargers.
Gachkar is another savvy move by the Cowboys' front office that won't get much attention. However, when you add up all these little moves, they will end up making a big difference on the team next year.
Grade: B+
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
