The Dallas Cowboys have lost out on several key free agents during the 2016 NFL offseason. They will have an opportunity to make up for this if they add former Green Bay Packer Mike Neal to the Cowboys roster.
Neal was a dependable member of the Packers in 2015 as he recorded 15 starts, 36 combined tackles, 4 sacks and a forced fumble. This was Neal's first year as a starter and he delivered for the Packers, especially in during the playoffs.
Signing Neal would be an instant upgrade from Anthony Hitchens who has proven an adept run stuffer, but who cannot rush the quarterback like some of the more productive linebackers in the league.
Adding Neal while having a strong draft by signing several pass rushers could change the look of Dallas's pass rush dramatically which would be a step in the right direction if the Cowboys want to make the playoffs in 2016.
Neal would likely be used in pass rushing situations, but could become an every down starter in this defense. Dallas could also use the addition of Neal to draft another position of need instead of focusing on pass rushers throughout the draft.
The Cowboys have managed to re-sign tight end James Hanna, linebacker Kyle Wilber, cornerback Morris Claiborne and running back Lance Dunbar. Those were necessary signings that will help add depth to both sides of the football.
Moving on from Greg Hardy seemed natural after an underwhelming and relatively disappointing season from the troubled pass rusher, so the need to add some depth with their pass rushers has never been more important.
The Cowboys signed former Philadelphia Eagle Cedric Thornton who should provide a solid boost to this defensive line. The Cowboys could have Thornton starting in Randy Gregory's defensive end spot while he is suspended and could take over as a starter if he produces well for the first quarter of the regular season.
They have also recently added former Washington Redskin Alfred Morris which adds some much needed depth to this running game. Adding Morris will not keep the Cowboys from drafting a young running back in the 2016 NFL Draft, but it makes it less of a need than when the offseason began. With a strong incoming draft class, the Dallas Cowboys could become the biggest threat in the NFC East.
