FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys signed free agent Kerry Hyder on Monday. The defensive end logged eight sacks in 2016 for the Detroit Lions and had an Achilles injury in 2017 that sidelined him. He recorded six combined tackles and a sack in 2018 during seven games played.
Solidifying the defensive front has become a top priority for Dallas with the loss of defensive end Randy Gregory and defensive tackle David Irving. The franchise has not negotiated a long-term contract with power edge rusher, DeMarcus Lawrence, and he could choose to sit out the 2019 season. With free agency in full swing, the Cowboys are making moves to add depth to their 4-3 defensive scheme. Hyder will help boost the team’s pass rush along with Christian Covington, the former Texans’ DE that was signed on Thursday.
When Hyder was apart of the Lions’ organization, the coaching staff made a huge change in 2018 hiring Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator. He revolutionized Detroit’s basic four-man front and brought in a ‘multiple’ defense incorporating 4-3 alignments, 3-4 looks, and 5-2 alignments. His goal was to incorporate different kinds of pass rush from the edge and from the inside, utilizing the secondary and the linebacker core in a variety of ways. Hyder responded the best to a 4-3 scheme and will fit in well with the Cowboys’ defense.
