Did Cowboys Sign 'Next Jourdan Lewis' in Underrated DB?

FRISCO - While "selectively aggressive" could be interpreted as making a splash for a big name in external free agency, just as important is the splashes made internally to bring guys back.

The Dallas Cowboys have had success both ways so far.

With the loss to key defensive specialists like edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence and cornerback Jourdan Lewis, owner Jerry Jones and the front office have made moves to fill the correct holes.

At DB, the potential replacement for Lewis came easiest - because he was already inside the building.

Dallas brought back secondary help by re-signing Israel Mukuamu on a one-year contract.

After Lewis became the highest-paid nickel cornerback in the NFL (3-year, $30 million with the Jacksonville Jaguars), the Cowboys needed depth before looking for a surefire upgrade.

Mukuamu could be both, walking into an opportunity to contribute immediately.

"Izzy" is a fan-favorite who has played safety and cornerback with the Cowboys - but not as much as Cowboys Nation would have liked.

In 2025, Mukuamu will be in his fifth season in Dallas after being drafted in the sixth round in 2021 out of South Carolina.

He did not play his rookie season, but has seen action in at least 14 games each of the last three years.

Dallas has traded for former Buffalo Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam, but will still need more help beyond that. Mukuamu has the ability to step in anywhere in the secondary whenever he is asked. He can play any position in the defensive backfield at any time.

According to PFF, Mukuamu - who at 6-4 towers over the smallish Lewis - played more often in the slot last season with 92 snaps at nickel and only 41 on the perimeter. That familiarity with the position will be a huge help to defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus as he finds the "next" Jourdan Lewis at nickel corner.

Despite not finding a solid role on the field so far - other than on special teams - Mukuamu still has a chance to build off what was a career-year last season.

He finished with career-highs in games played (17), total tackles (19), interceptions (2), and passes defended (2) in 2024.

Look for the Cowboys to still flirt with drafting a defensive back in next month's NFL Draft, but the re-signing of Mukuamu is a great start to filling the void at cornerback.