Cowboys Signing Julian Blackmon Could Make Sense for Coach Matt Eberflus Defense

The Dallas Cowboys secondary, it could be argued, could use an infusion of talent while cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Shavon Revel Jr. rehab from offseason knee surgeries.

Dallas would be wise to explore the possibility of adding a versatile defensive back in Julian Blackmon, who has ties to defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Blackmon is a ball-hawking safety who some think would fit nicely alongside starting free safety Malik Hooker.

”Julian Blackmon turns just 27 years old in August, so he still has plenty left in the tank. He’s a versatile defensive back who can cover as a deep safety and defend in the box at a pretty high level. He has seven interceptions between his last two seasons with the Colts,” Pro Football Network’s Jacob Infante wrote.

“The aforementioned Eagles, Chiefs and Panthers could look at Blackmon on a one-year rental and see if he’s capable of becoming a long-term answer for them at safety. Keep an eye on Dallas as a landing spot, as former Colts DC Matt Eberflus is now the defensive coordinator there.”

But wait. The questions are at corner, not safety. Is Blackmon better than Donovan Wilson? And who says fans should "keep an eye on'' this? Who's the source?

Blackmon recorded 86 tackles, four passes defended and three interceptions across 16 starts last season.

While safety isn’t the most pressing need in the secondary compared to cornerback, Blackmon’s ability to run, hit and cover, while making plays all over the field, could give Dallas an upgrade at the last line of defense. Adding Blackmon could also give the Cowboys much-needed flexibility and playmaking ability on the back end of their defense.

But any analysis of the secondary that skips over the incumbents, which include Juanyeh Thomas poised to make a leap, is short-sighted.

We will concede that with familiarity in Eberflus' system and a proven track record of production, Blackmon could be a valuable asset in stabilizing a secondary dealing with injuries and uncertainty. But we'll ask around Cowboys camp before we suggest you "keep an eye'' on such a move.