The Dallas Cowboys put on a strong performance against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, September 8, securing a 33-17 win. Earlier that day, the Cowboys also made headlines by signing quarterback Dak Prescott to a four-year contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL. Despite their impressive season opener, Matt Holder of Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department has identified some areas where the Cowboys could still improve.
It’s ‘Perplexing’ That Ahkello Witherspoon is Still Available
In a September 9 article on prioritizing each team’s biggest weaknesses before Week 2, Holder praised the Cowboys, describing their game against the Browns as a “strong performance.” However, Holder currently identifies the Cowboys’ most significant weakness as the center position, followed by left tackle, running back, linebacker, and second cornerback.
To address their immediate needs, Holder suggests the Cowboys should sign cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon “now.”
“As mentioned last week, the Cowboys could use some experienced help at cornerback with DaRon Bland beginning the season on injured reserve. Meanwhile, it’s pretty perplexing that Witherspoon is still available,” Holder said of the free agent. “Although he has dealt with injuries in the past, he’s coming off a season where he played and started in every game for the Rams and logged a career-high 14 passes defended. The seven-year veteran also allowed just a 76.7 passer rating when targeted, according to PFF.”
Holder concluded, “This could be an ideal situation given the Cowboys’ need at cornerback and Witherspoon’s starting experience.”
In a February 2024 “Free Agent Spotlight” on the Rams’ website, writer Stu Jackson described Witherspoon as a “stabilizing veteran presence in the Rams secondary.”
“Most notably, he played and started in every regular season game for the first time in his career, likely due to finding a new trainer and program last offseason, aiming to enter the season as healthy as possible,” Jackson added.
Witherspoon began his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, playing from 2017 to 2020. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks in March 2021 but was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in September of that year. He later joined the Rams in June 2023.
Clelin Ferrell a ‘Veteran Backup’ Option for the Cowboys in 2025 Free Agency
In a feature for Bleacher Report, Holder suggested that the Cowboys should consider signing Clelin Ferrell from the Washington Commanders during the 2025 free agency if he becomes available.
“DeMarcus Lawrence is in a contract year and will turn 33 in April. Dallas is also facing the potential loss of other key players, including Zack Martin, as they head into free agency, making it likely that this will be Lawrence’s final season with the team,” Holder explained. “While the team hopes that 2024 second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland can step up and fill Lawrence’s role in the starting lineup next year, signing Ferrell as a backup and affordable free agent would be a smart move.”
Holder added, “If Kneeland isn’t ready, Ferrell could handle early-down duties while Kneeland comes off the bench for passing situations. At worst, the Cowboys would have a dependable veteran backup on the defensive line.”
Be the first to comment