Dallas Cowboys Sign Former 1st Round Draft Picks

ARLINGTON, TX- The Dallas Cowboys made some moves this weekend in free agency including bringing in and bringing back former 1st round picks.

Over the weekend, the Cowboys signed linebacker Leighton Vander Esch to a 1-year deal. This should help keep reigning defensive rookie of the year Micah Parsons free to do what he does best instead of just play off the ball linebacker. To help, the Boys are bringing back linebacker Luke Gifford as well.

Also joining the Cowboys is former 1st round pick Dante Fowler on a 1-year deal. Fowler has bounced around from Jacksonville, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Over his career, Fowler had 35 sacks and 10 forced fumbles with 5 recoveries. Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn signed Fowler when he coached the Atlanta Falcons.

Fowler will help offset the loss of Randy Gregory who signed with the Denver Broncos. Also helping Fowler will be Cowboys draft pick Dorance Armstrong, who resigned with the team.

The offense got some help after trading Amari Cooper to the Browns and losing Cedrick Wilson to the Dolphins by signing former Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver James Washington. Washington was drafted by the Steelers and was behind JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool, and Diontae Johnson and put up decent numbers as a 4th or sometimes 5th option. Over his career, Washington has 114 receptions, 1,629 yards, and 11 touchdowns.

Dallas resigned safety Malik Hooker and is not reportedly close to a deal with Jayron Kearse who played very well for the Cowboys last year. 

Other news from around the NFL is the Atlanta Falcons sending franchise quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts for a 3rd round pick.

Former Cowboys offensive linemen Conner Williams and La'El Collins have signed with the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals respectively.

Staying inside the NFC East, the Eagles cut and resigned defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.