FRISCO, Texas — NFL free agency is in full swing and the Dallas Cowboys added depth to the defensive line. The Cowboys agreed to terms with former Texan Carlos Watkins, the team announced on Thursday.
The former 2017 fourth-round pick has compiled 69 tackles and four sacks in 42 games. The Clemson product notched a career-high two sacks in 2020 and started in 11 games, the most of his career. Watkins became an unrestricted free agent following the 2020 season as his rookie contract expired with Houston. He will not have to travel far for his new landing spot in Dallas.
Tyrone Crawford and Eli Ankou are free agents. The Cowboys placed the original draft choice tender on restricted free agent Antwaun Woods and the current defensive tackle depth includes Neville Gallimore and Trysten Hill. Gallimore, the Cowboys’ 2020 third-round pick showed promise his rookie year as a key cog in the interior, most notably against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Prior to tearing his ACL in week five, Hill earned the starting three-technique nod.
Watkins was predominately used as a 3-4 end in the Texans’ scheme but will be a better fit in Dan Quinn’s 4-3 base. He will likely be part of the rotation at the three-technique spot. Watkins adds much-needed depth at defensive tackle with Woods’ future unknown.
