FRISCO, Texas — Along with swing tackle Cam Erving and linebacker Joe Thomas, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is the next Cowboys’ player to depart during free agency.
The former 2017 second-round pick has agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The NFL’s legal tampering window opened Monday, but the new league year does not officially begin until Wednesday and contracts will be announced then.
25-year-old Awuzie started 42 games over the last four seasons and compiled 37 pass breakups and four interceptions (one in each of his four seasons). He was limited in 2020 due to a hamstring injury suffered in week two and spent time on the Reserve/COVID-19 list as a contact tracing precautionary measure. In eight games, Awuzie tallied 38 tackles, a fumble recovery, and interception, and five pass breakups. Cincinnati’s top cornerback in 2020, William Jackson is a free agent and Awuzie provides the Bengals with another outside corner.
Cowboys’ No. 1 wide receiver Amari Cooper frequently played chess with Awuzie in the locker room as a thought-provoking hobby, and it looks like the club’s wideout will have to find a new partner to challenge.
Dallas is facing an exodus in the secondary with cornerback Jourdan Lewis and safety Xavier Woods on the free agent list with expiring contracts. One could potentially be re-signed but the organization will likely address the area of need in the draft and outside in free agency to add depth at cornerback.
