FRISCO, Texas — Following a horrendous season by Dallas’ defense in 2020, bolstering the unit has been the primary focus during free agency under new defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn.
The Cowboys agreed to terms on a one-year, $5 million deal with veteran Keanu Neal on Saturday. Both Neal and Quinn will reunite in Dallas. One of Quinn’s first moves in free agency was acquiring Neal, a testament to his versatile skillset.
Neal was drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons and played for five seasons under Quinn. He spent the entirety of his career in Atlanta at safety, compiling 338 tackles, 15 for loss, four quarterback hits, two interceptions, and 16 passes defensed. In 2020, Neal posted the third, 100-tackle mark of his career including nine for loss.
He was named to the Pro Bowl following the 2017 season, but injuries derailed his career. Neal tore his ACL in the 2018 season opener and tore his Achilles in week three of the 2019 season. The Florida product made a comeback and played 15 games in 2020, missing one due to a hamstring injury. Given his track record with injury, reliability is a concern, but the Cowboys’ settled on a cheap and short one-year prove it deal. A mutually beneficial partnership- Neal can showcase his flexibility and the Cowboys can manage cap space.
Neal is projected to likely play linebacker for Dallas. With Sean Lee and Justin March-Lillard set to become free agents along with Joe Thomas’ departure to the Texans, the current depth at linebacker includes Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, Luke Gifford, and Francis Bernard.
The Cowboys predominately played nickel packages in 2020 as a result of injury with just a MIKE and WILL on the field and an additional defensive back. With Dallas going back to a 4-3 base under Quinn, Neal provides much-needed rotational depth at linebacker.
He also provides insurance at safety as the most experienced on the Cowboys’ roster. Xavier Woods will likely test the open market in free agency, leaving Donovan Wilson as the intended starter with Darian Thompson, Reggie Robinson II, and Steven Parker as depth options. Neal was the model cover three strong safety for Atlanta and was solid against the run in the box, preventing ball carriers from breaking past the second level. He is relentless in his pursuit of the ball and a rock-solid hard hitter; A quality that was missing from the Cowboys’ secondary in 2020 with the exception of Wilson.
He can play both strong safety and weak side linebacker in a hybrid role in Quinn’s system. Regardless of where Neal lines up come fall, he will be an impact player with a high motor donning the Star.
