DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Cowboys depth at linebacker took a hit after 11-year veteran Sean Lee announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday.
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The Cowboys likely were aware of Lee's intentions prior to his announcement, but it doesn't change the fact that they'll be short a linebacker from last season's roster to this season's.
In addition to Lee, Dallas already lost Joe Thomas to the Texans. They did pick up linebacker/safety Keanu Neal on a one-year deal and have undrafted free agents Francis Bernard and Luke Gifford under contract, but the jury is still out on those players. Special teamer Justin March remains an unsigned free agent.
So, does Lee's retirement change the team's thoughts on drafting a linebacker?
"Well, obviously, the way this thing shakes out on defense more and more with so many sub-packages, pass-rushing, and all that. The Sam DPR (Sam Linebacker - Designated Pass Rusher) is an important role, and a little different than your first and second-down linebackers, sub-linebackers, like Leighton (Vander Esch) and Jaylon (Smith) man those spots for us. And that's what Sean (Lee) did for us, as well. You're always looking to have depth there, but you're also studying the cap situation, whether it's Jaylon, who obviously we have signed, or Leighton, a guy who's going to be coming up for a contract (extension). You do want to have depth there, and as I mentioned earlier, I think we could use help at every level of the defense. Whether it's front-seven or at the back-end, we'll be looking to improve ourselves on defense."
105.3 The Fan's Jeff Cavanaugh has stated several times that the Cowboys should draft a linebacker in this draft and Audacy Sports insider Ross Tucker even suggested that the Cowboys select Penn State's Micah Parsons with the No. 10 overall pick.
With Jones saying later in the interview that they had yet to make a decision on the fifth year option on Vander Esch's contract, you can expect the Cowboys to strongly consider selecting a linebacker with one of their top picks.
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