The Dallas Cowboys are looking to get back to the top of the NFC East division in 2016 after finishing in last place last season with a 4-12 record. While injuries were clearly a major factor for Dallas' disappointing season, the Cowboys had multiple reasons for struggling, including the lack of a pass rush.
The Cowboys finished 25th in the league with just 31 total team sacks last season, and despite acquiring pass rushers like Randy Gregory and Greg Hardy the Cowboys still struggled to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Dallas' front office is reportedly not expected to re-sign Hardy this offseason, and Gregory has been suspended the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the league's policy on substance abuse.
The Cowboys have the fourth pick in the upcoming draft, and with plenty of talented pass rushers in this year's class, Dallas may look to go in that direction. While Cowboys fans will have to wait until the 2016 NFL Draft next month to see who their team will add to their roster, they now officially at least know one new player that will be joining their defensive line next season.
Former Oakland Raiders' defensive end Benson Mayowa became a Cowboy Tuesday when the Raiders declined to match Dallas' offer to the young pass rusher. Mayowa's agents announced the move through their Twitter account, and the new Cowboys defensive end's three-year contract is worth $8.25 million.
Mayowa will turn 25 before the start of the 2016 season and recorded two sacks, a forced fumble and a safety in 28 games the past two seasons.
"At the end of the day, you watch him on tape and you love the way he plays," said Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones prior to the Raiders' decision. "Obviously we're trying to marry people to what we do on defense and (defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli) and the type of scheme he wants and the players he wants."
The move clearly bolsters Dallas' defensive line, but don't expect the Cowboys to be out of the running for a defensive end with the fourth pick in the draft, as both Ohio State's Joey Bosa and Oregon's DeForest Buckner likely are still on their big board.
