NFL Rumors: Oakland Raiders Let Dallas Cowboys Sign Benson Mayowa
NFL rumors have been swirling heavily around Benson Mayowa since the Dallas Cowboys signed an offer sheet with the restricted free agent. Many wanted to see if the Oakland Raiders would match the offer. Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio and his coaching staff pondered the possibility for a couple of days. In the end, though, Oakland decided that the money would be best utilized elsewhere. According to ESPN, the Cowboys are going to receive Mayowa because the Raiders declined to match the offer.
Jack Del Rio did not want to make any announcements about roster moves during the NFL Owners’ meeting. He declined to discuss free agency. Someone in the Oakland Raiders organization, however, must have informed the agents for Benson Mayowa about their decision to decline to match the offer given to the defensive end by the Dallas Cowboys. The agents for Mayowa were not so secretive, as they leaked the news through social media.
In case you haven’t heard, the Dallas Cowboys signed Benson Mayowa to a contract that was worth $8.25 million total. It’s a three-year pact. However, to deter the Oakland Raiders from matching the offer, the Cowboys decided to pay $4 million up front in the first season. The Raiders had been very active in free agency, so Dallas was hoping that they would be hesitant to spend more money on Mayowa.
It’s been no secret that the Dallas Cowboys have been trying to upgrade their defensive end position since the start of free agency. The team pursued a couple of veteran players, but none of them panned out. The Cowboys were especially interested in Chris Long, because he was a veteran who could start right away and be a mentor for the younger players. Unfortunately for Dallas, Long felt that the New England Patriots were a better option to continue his NFL career.
The Dallas Cowboys are being realistic about the addition of Benson Mayowa. They’re also trying to downplay the excitement from the fans so that Mayowa can develop at his own pace. The Cowboys have stated that they are not expecting Benson to become the next DeMarcus Ware, their former defensive end who just won a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos. Mayowa is expected to be a rotation player.
For years, the Dallas Cowboys have tried to upgrade their defensive end position. The results have been mixed. Gregory Hardy proved that he was no longer the superstar who played with the Carolina Panthers. Randy Gregory has yet to prove that he can avoid drugs. He’s facing a four-game suspension from the NFL. Demarcus Lawrence has shown plenty of potential, but he underwent back surgery after the season was over.
Even with the addition of Benson Mayowa, the Dallas Cowboys are expected to upgrade their entire defensive line through the upcoming NFL Draft. The team just shored up their running back position by signing Alfred Morris from the Washington Redskins and keeping Lance Dunbar, who is coming off of a torn ACL injury. Since the position is set, the Cowboys can possibly use their fourth overall selection on Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Joey Bosa.
Benson Mayowa isn’t going to be the difference maker. He’s not going to determine if the Dallas Cowboys can finally make it back to the NFL Playoffs and secure a spot in the Super Bowl. However, the 24-year-old has nice potential and some experience. He could prove to be a valuable role player that helps out. Every team in the National Football League needs those types.
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