Jerry Jones, Cowboys get rave reviews for sneaky offseason signing

The Dallas Cowboys have been receiving positive grades for their moves this offseason, which hasn't always been the case for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, so it's a nice turn of events.

On one hand, the Cowboys' draft class has stolen the spotlight. Their first-round picks of safety Caleb Downs out of Ohio State and EDGE Malachi Lawrence from UCF helped them earn an A grade from ESPN, with Mel Kiper Jr. noting that they "made a splash" with those picks.

But, there's another offseason move that is drawing attention, the positive kind.

Cowboys get kudos for Cobie Durant signing

Between the flashy draft moves, the Cowboys also made an unassuming, short-term signing in free agency. They inked cornerback Cobie Durant to a one-year, $4 million deal, and that move impressed Bill Barnwell of ESPN.

"I'm enthused about quite a few of the moves the Cowboys made on defense this offseason, including the decision to move up one spot and draft safety Caleb Downs at No. 11," he wrote in a recent piece. "But when we consider the cost involved, there might not be a better move than signing Durant away from the Rams on a one-year deal for about as much as Dak Prescott makes per game."

Barnwell adds that while "Durant isn't a superstar," he has shown his stuff "behind some very good pass rushes in Los Angeles" and has "allowed a 74.3 passer rating in coverage over the past four seasons. At 28, Durant should still be in the prime of his career."

This was a sneaky-good move for the Cowboys. Durant is just now peaking, and he'll add much-needed cornerback assistance in Dallas this season. This was a value signing, and Durant is likely to bring a big return on investment.