FRISCO, Texas — On Wednesday, the Dallas Cowboys informed pass rusher Aldon Smith that he will not be re-signed, per ESPN’s Ed Werder. The Cowboys are moving in a different direction, evidenced by the signing of veteran free agent defensive end Tarell Basham to a two-year deal.
Credit must go where credit is due. When many thought Smith’s pro career was over, he persevered and came back to have a productive year for the Cowboys in 2020. After serving an indefinite suspension for multiple violations of the league’s policy on substance abuse from 2016-2019, he signed a one-year deal with Dallas.
He notched five sacks, 33 quarterback pressures, 48 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries- returning one for a touchdown. His most notable performance came against the Seahawks in Week 3 where he posted three sacks on Russell Wilson.
After being far removed from the game of football for several years striving to get his mental health back on track in addition to his physical preparation, Smith made a significant contribution to Dallas’ defense and defied the odds stacked against him.
Under new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, the Cowboys will likely return to their traditional base 4-3 scheme. The players are tailored to fit that system and with the departure of Smith, Randy Gregory will have an increased role. With a full offseason and no off-the-field concerns, Gregory has a limitless ceiling in 2021. Basham predominately played as a linebacker in the Jets’ 3-4 defense but could start at RDE in Dallas’ base defense with Gregory coming in on passing situations.
Dallas also has recent free agent acquisition Brent Urban they can plug in as a rotational lineman, and depth options Bradlee Anae and Dorance Armstrong at end positions. Urban’s strength is stopping the run and wherever Quinn inserts him into the defensive line, he will be tasked with upgrading the run defense that ranked 31st in 2020.
