The Dallas Cowboys were able to turn things around in Mike McCarthy’s second season as head coach in 2021 after a disappointing 2020 season. Better health on the roster played a part, but the biggest reason for the turnaround was the team’s performance on defense.
The 2020 Cowboys were arguably the worst defensive unit in the history of the franchise. They couldn’t stop a cold, let alone an NFL offense as they surrendered points and yardage at an alarming pace.
Dan Quinn was brought in as defensive coordinator to help turn things around and he had an immediate impact. Retaining him for a second season in the role should only make things better in 2022, as the team will have experience with his scheme and he can continue building on what was achieved in 2021.
Having impact talent always helps and the Cowboys now have some to match their explosive offense. Micah Parsons is already a star after being selected 12th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The team also has playmaker Trevon Diggs at the cornerback position, who led the NFL with 11 interceptions.
This defense has building blocks, but could still use some pieces to help get them to that next level. One area that could use an upgrade is the safety spot. That is where KD Drummond of Cowboys Wire believes they should look in free agency.
If Drummond could pick one free agent for the Cowboys to target, it would be Marcus Williams of the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are in a salary cap bind, so they could lose Williams in free agency if a team comes with an aggressive offer.
Williams has been a consistent performer earning a PFF grade of at least 70 for five consecutive seasons. Still only 26-years old, he will be looking to cash in this offseason after playing 2021 on the franchise tag.
He would bring a lot of versatility to whichever defense he ends up with, enabling him to excel in pretty much any scheme. Williams is an excellent zone defender at any level of the defense and someone that would really improve the Cowboys’ secondary.
Combined with Diggs and Kelvin Joseph, Dallas would have the makings of one of the best secondaries in the NFL with the addition of Williams. His clean bill of health is just a bonus for a team pursuing him.
