FRISCO, Texas – With the success of the linebacker core in 2018, the Dallas Cowboys are switching eight-year veteran, Sean Lee, from WILL-Backer (weak side) to SAM-Backer (strong side).
The 32-year-old debated retirement at the conclusion of the 2018 season, but after discussing the matter with his family, he decided to return to the gridiron in 2019. Lee has had a career plague of injuries; predominately his hamstring, and has never played a full 16-game regular season since Dallas drafted him with the 55th overall pick in 2010.
His presence will not only benefit the team in terms of depth, but also what his football IQ brings to the Cowboys’ defense and the level of performance his mentorship has produced in Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch.
Lee was set to hit the cap this year with a large sum of $10.075 million, but when he made the announcement to return to football, a change in contract was required. Both sides agreed to restructure his contract, and he will now receive a base salary of $2 million, with potential $5 million in performance incentives.
With his track record of injury and its increase in probability with age, Lee’s rotational switch was the right call. The two-time pro bowl player will fill the needed role at SAM, where his snaps will be reduced- hopefully prolonging No.50’s health. He will play when the team’s 4-3 base defense is called alongside Smith and Vander Esch, but will watch from the sideline when a nickel package is called. A nickel defense is a two-LB set and a 4-3 scheme is a three-LB set.
Lee has one of the sharpest minds in the league and one of the hardest work ethics of any player I have seen. He will no doubt quickly pick up his new role at strong side LB, and make an impact on the field with his innate instincts to get to the football.
“I just want to be able to help in any way I can, “ Lee remarked on his position change at the Reliant Home Run Derby.
Sean Lee is a game changer when he is on the field but his health remains the question mark for the upcoming season. However, with fewer snaps extending his duration, along with more opportunities for his coaching persona to emerge from the sideline, Lee’s future and the entirety of the defense, looks bright!
