The game of "Connect the Dots'' is a valuable one when it comes to attempting to create NFL free agency matches. Which team knows which player? Which player likes which team? Is there a coach connection, an agent connection, a hometown connection?
It occurs to us that back in March 2022, CowboysSI.com reported that the Dallas Cowboys were interested in Za’Darius Smith ... and Smith issued a statement then about his at least relative interest in Dallas.
What were the Cowboys trying to accomplish then? An affordable way to "rebound from the Randy Gregory fiasco ... with a flirtation with Za'Darius Smith.'' as we wrote.
As it played out, the former Ravens' fifth-round pick, who made an impression there with 5.5 sacks as a rookie in 2015 before having recorded an 8.5-sack season in 2018, eventually landed with the Browns in a cheap trade. ... and last year he was a full-time starter.
But in between all of that? He played for the Packers.
So, the Packers and the Vikings and he's a three-time Pro Bowler? Connect the Dots?
But alas, his time in Green Bay came after now-Dallas coach Mike McCarthy was in charge there. And his time in Minny came after now-Dallas coordinator Mike Zimmer was in charge there.
So, OK. The "dots'' are sketchy. But McCarthy and Zimmer obviously know him. And personnel boss Will McClay certainly liked him ...
And now, with impending free agency for Cowboys’ defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr., maybe the 6-4, 275-pound Smith, now 31, gets another look?
Spotrac estimates his next contract at $12.4 million annually, and we know that is not Dallas' usual way. But at this "all-in'' moment? (Right, Jerry Jones?) Supplementing the pass-rush work of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence with a guy who is both proven - and proven to be a "person of interest'' of the Cowboys scouting department.
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