There are still some quality players available on the free agent market.
The Dallas Cowboys have had as quiet of an offseason as any team in the NFL. Dallas’ inactivity has left the roster with a couple of major holes that must be filled before the start of next season.
While the Cowboys likely will be able to address some of their positions of need in the draft, there’s no guarantee they will have a prospect fall to them that fits the bill.
With that in mind, Bleacher Report listed the Cowboys as a team that could sign someone to a “bargain free agent contract” before the draft. Dallas was linked to free agent center Brian Allen.
The starting center of the Los Angeles Rams’ run to a Super Bowl in 2021, Brian Allen has faded in recent years.
In 2022, he only played in five games because of knee and thumb injuries. Last season, he mustered just 34 snaps in five appearances after Coleman Shelton landed the starting nod at center.
Still, Allen’s resume is screaming bounce-back candidate.
While the Dallas Cowboys may have a rookie in mind—Jackson Powers-Johnson looks appealing at No. 24 overall—adding a player like the Michigan State product can reduce the make-or-break feel around the position.
Allen, who turns 29 this season, deserves at least one more opportunity to anchor an offensive line.
Contract: 1 year, $3 million with Dallas Cowboys
Allen played the first five seasons of his career for the Los Angeles Rams. The former fourth-round pick was Los Angeles’ starting center during their Super Bowl-winning season in 2021 and has started 32 games at the NFL level.
After an injured-hampered 2022 season in which Allen could only play in seven games, the Rams pivoted to Coleman Shelton as their full-time starter in 2023, pushing Allen into a backup role.
Even during his brief period on the field in the 2022 season, Allen posted some solid production. He allowed zero pressures in three of his six starts and had a Pass Blocking Efficiency grade of 97.2, via Pro Football Focus.
At this point in his career, he’s going to be a Pro Bowler, but he does have extensive experience starting at the center position, something the Cowboys do not currently have on their roster.
Signing Allen would not cost much. As referenced above, the predicted contract would be a one-year, $3M deal. Bringing in Allen would provide Dallas with a cheap insurance policy if they are unable to select a starting-caliber center in the upcoming draft.
At this point in the offseason, it’s all about finding hidden value at a reasonable cost. Brian Allen would provide that for the Cowboys and they should strongly consider signing him before the start of the draft.
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