GOOD FIT: Cowboys set to replace key starter with bargain veteran in 2024 as reveal by HC Mike McCarthy

The Dallas Cowboys may be forced to replace a key starter this offseason.

According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, the Cowboys could be a good fit for Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Shelby Harris.

Holder mentions the 32-year-old veteran as a possible option for the Cowboys due to his low cost and the fact that Dallas will lose two key defensive tackles in free agency — starter Johnathan Hankins and backup Neville Gallimore.
“Harris would be a good fit in part because he’s an older veteran who shouldn’t command too much money on the open market,” Holder said in a statement. “On the field, he has extensive experience playing up and down the defensive line throughout his career, which could benefit him as the team’s first defensive lineman.”

Why the Cowboys Might Be Interested in Signing Shelby Harris

Harris is currently signed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. Harris has never earned more than $3.5 million in a single season outside of a three-year, $27 million contract he previously signed with the Broncos.

Harris is worth $3.1 million, according to OverTheCap’s contract valuation.

During his 10-year career, the veteran has started 67 of 111 games. Harris is currently a key reserve for the Browns, appearing in 39% of Cleveland’s defensive snaps this season. This season, he has 24 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 13 games and three starts.

Harris has 285 tackles, 54 quarterback hits, and 26 sacks in his career.

Harris has a 71.6 defensive grade and a 73.9 pass-rushing grade this season, according to Pro Football Focus. His pass-rushing grade is the second best of his career.

Harris had a 90.0 defensive grade with the Denver Broncos during the 2018 season and an 83.5 pass-rushing grade with the Broncos during the 2020 season at his peak. Harris’ defensive grade ranked 10th among all defensive tackles during the 2018 season and sixth during the 2020 season.

Harris has a higher defensive grade than every Cowboys defensive lineman except Osa Odighizuwa, including Gallimore (58.8 defensive grade) and Hankins (45.7 defensive grade).

Why the Cowboys Might Look for Bargain Contracts in Free Agency
According to Holder, the Cowboys will be $13.5 million over the salary cap heading into the offseason.

“With Jonathan Hankins’ and Neville Gallimore’s contracts about to expire, Dallas will be looking for some depth on the interior defensive line this offseason,” Holder said in a statement. “But they also need to be cost-effective when addressing this need as Spotrac estimates the ‘Boys will begin the offseason about $13.5 million over the cap.”

Hankins, 31, has started all 13 games for the Cowboys this season, recording 26 tackles and three sacks. Hankins has started 133 of 151 games in his 11-year career, totaling 402 tackles, 50 quarterback hits, and 17.5 sacks.

Hankins is currently playing on a $1.3 million contract, but his annual salary with the Indianapolis Colts between the 2017 and 2019 seasons reached $9 million.

If the Cowboys lose one or both of Hankins and Gallimore in free agency, they could always sign Harris, who typically plays on lower-paying, bargain contracts than most veteran defensive tackles.