NFC EAST ROUNDUP

Dallas Cowboys

- Mike Addvensky

The Cowboys did not waste too much time in getting their first two 2021 draft picks signed. Former Penn State linebacker and the 12th overall pick in this year’s draft, Micah Parsons, signed a four-year contract with the Boys on June 9th worth a guaranteed $17 million. One day later, the team agreed to a four-year rookie deal with cornerback Kelvin Joseph. A second-round pick out of Kentucky, Joseph is currently competing with Anthony Brown for Dallas’ second starting corner spot.

Two Cowboys players worth keeping an eye on right now are Amari Cooper and DeMarcus Lawrence. Both were placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list at the beginning of training camp. Following a 2020 season in which he topped 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth time in his career, Cooper underwent surgery on his ankle in January. Lawrence had back surgery in the offseason. However, head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters last week the two players “are in really good shape”.

On July 27, Dallas signed safety Malik Hooker. A first-round pick by the Colts in 2017, he had 51 combined tackles and two interceptions in 2019. Hooker tore his Achilles during a Week 2 win against the Minnesota Vikings last year. To make room for him, Dallas placed offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt on the Reserved/Injured list. Hooker adds depth to the Cowboys’ secondary, although it is unclear right now if he will begin the season as their starting free safety.