Former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was officially introduced as the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator this week. After two years away from the NFL, this feels like a perfect landing spot for Zimmer, who previously coached in Dallas from 1994-2006 and now takes over a defense teeming with talent.
One subplot to watch is whether or not Zimmer might ask the Cowboys' front office to add any of his old Minnesota players to the roster this offseason.
The biggest name to keep an eye on would be Danielle Hunter, who is the Vikings' top defensive free agent and one of the premiere edge rushers on the market this spring. He spent seven seasons with Zimmer, breaking out as a star in 2018 and '19. Hunter would be a massive addition for the Cowboys if they're willing to outbid the Vikings and other teams for his services.
Another is Harrison Smith, the 35-year-old safety who could end up being released by the Vikings this spring if he doesn't decide to retire. It would make sense if Smith wanted to play one final year or two under the man who coached him for eight seasons in Minnesota.
What about Anthony Barr? He was Zimmer's first draft pick in Minnesota in 2014, making four Pro Bowls and spending seven years as one of the lynchpins of his defenses. Barr, who turns 32 soon, was with the Cowboys in 2022, then was out of football until the Vikings signed him last November. Maybe there could be a reunion there.
Other Vikings free agents who played under Zimmer for at least a season include D.J. Wonnum, Troy Dye, James Lynch, and Nick Vigil. It'll also be interesting to see if the Cowboys re-sign Jayron Kearse, who has been a starting safety for Dallas for the last three years after beginning his career with Zimmer's Vikings.
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