FRISCO, Texas – After locking up Dalton Schultz with the franchise tag, the Cowboys have continued to add depth to the tight end room. Dallas re-signed Jeremy Sprinkle on Wednesday, bringing the veteran back for the 2022 season.
After releasing Blake Jarwin last week, the club solidified a thin position. Behind Schultz on the depth chart, Dallas only had two depth options before signing Sprinkle: Sean McKeon and Ian Bunting. With the Cowboys last season, Sprinkle predominately served as an in-line blocker and contributed on special teams (269 special teams snaps).
The then, Washington Redskins, selected Sprinkle in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He competed for a roster spot but consistently found himself as the fourth tight end on the depth chart, never having a major impact in Washington’s offense. Over the course of four years with Washington (2017-2020), Sprinkle started 33 games of 59 played.
He enters his sixth season in the NFL and will provide flexibility for Kellen Moore in 12 personnel with two tight end sets. His short-term deal fits the Cowboys style of free agency signings: a team-friendly and salary-compliant contract that addresses a need but does not prevent the team from exploring options/drafting a tight end to develop.
Additionally, the Cowboys confirmed that they agreed to a one-year deal with defensive tackle Carlos Watkins. Watkins helped bolster the interior of Dan Quinn’s defensive line and will be back for the 2022 season.
He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Watkins did not fit in the Texans’ 3-4, two-gap scheme and accumulated just 74 tackles and four sacks during his four-year career with the club.
When he signed with the Cowboys, his production value exceeded expectations in Quinn’s penetration-styled attack. Watkins accumulated 32 tackles in 2021 and started in 14 of the team’s 17-game regular season. The highlight of his career came against the New Orleans Saints, where he had a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown. The value of the defensive tackle position has decreased in the league as the NFL progresses to more nickel and dime against pass-heavy offenses. However, his return helps boost the defensive tackle rotation with Neville Gallimore, Osa Odighizuwa, Quinton Bohanna and Trysten Hill.
