After finishing dead last in points allowed per game (30.1) and 30th in yards per game allowed (377), it’s no secret the Dallas Cowboys top priority this offseason is rebuilding the defense. New defensive
coordinator Christian Parker seems to have renewed the optimism around Cowboys Nation, however, considering how horrendous the defense was last season, he’ll need all the help he can get to turn things around.
The best way for the Cowboys to help Christian Parker succeed is to identify the players who fit his system and acquire them via whatever means are necessary, starting first with free agency. One such player they could target is Coby Bryant, who is fresh off a Super Bowl victory. His skill set and position flex could be exactly what Parker needs to help turn the defense around, but of course that comes at a price.
According to Spotrac, Coby Bryant’s market value is currently predicted to earn him a two-year, $28.5 million contract with an annual salary of approximately $14.3 million. The Cowboys haven’t spent that type of money on a single player in what seems like forever, but it could be worth it considering the versatility Bryant would add to the Cowboys secondary.
At 6’1″, 193-pounds with 4.48 speed, he’s proven already in his short time in the league he’s capable of starting at safety or cornerback and playing either position at a high level. That kind of position flex could be invaluable for Christian Parker by giving him a chess piece type of weapon in the secondary, allowing him to get really creative with his coverage scheme.
On any given play Bryant could be utilized in a variety of ways in a Parkers’s scheme. He’s capable of playing deep or in the box as a safety, and also has the versatility to play cornerback on the outside or in the nickel. This is the type of player the Cowboys could continue to build around, but also someone who will make an immediate impact. That hasn’t always been the case with Dallas’ free agent additions.
All in all, if the Cowboys are willing to be more actively aggressive in free agency, a player like S/CB Coby Bryant is someone they should target. The price to acquire him is of course a little steep, but it could be worth it considering the variety of things he could do for Dallas’ secondary and the fact he’d be an immediate upgrade as a starter however he’s utilized.
