The Dallas Cowboys have problems at defensive end (which is why they should draft Joey Bosa). Greg Hardy, Jack Crawford and Jeremy Mincey are all free agents who won't be re-signed. Randy Gregory didn't record a single sack as a rookie, and DeMarcus Lawrence, while better in year two, still has room to grow.
So what are the Cowboys to do? Apparently, try and poach restricted free agents from other teams.
Dallas reportedly has interest in Oakland Raiders' defensive end Benson Mayowa. However, the Raiders have upwards of $20 million in salary cap space so outbidding them may be a problem for Dallas. Plus, Mayowa has just two career sacks, so it's not as if Jerry Jones is going to move mountains to get him.
Still, Mayowa offers an interesting blend of youth (24), size (6-3, 240 pounds) and speed (4.84 40-yard dash) for a team that desperately needs it. Thus far through free agency, only two restricted free agents have received offer sheets. The Denver Broncos matched the Miami Dolphins' offer to running back C.J. Anderson while the New England Patriots were able to pry wide receiver Chris Hogan away from the Buffalo Bills.
New England took advantage of Buffalo's tight salary cap situation by offering Hogan a three-year, $12 million deal with a cap hit of $5.5 million and a roster bonus of $4.5 million in the first year. Bill Belichick, ever the shrewd businessman.
The Broncos surprised folks around the league when they decided to give Anderson the lowest tender at $1.67 million. Miami had offered the undrafted running back a four-year, $18 million deal that came with $7.7 million in guaranteed money and a $5.5 million signing bonus. But Broncos' GM John Elway matched the offer and kept Denver's top back in town.
Mayowa went undrafted three years ago coming out of Idaho and has only recorded 31 total tackles in 30 career games. The Cowboys may believe that with more consistent playing time, Mayowa could produce at a higher level. Having signed pass-rusher Bruce Irvin to a four-year deal worth $37 million with $19 million guaranteed and already having Khalil Mack and Mario Edwards on the roster, the Raiders likely don't see Mayowa as a top priority.
That puts the ball in Dallas' court to figure out a way to get him into the NFC East.
