The Cowboys desperately needed defensive line help this off-season, especially defensive tackle help. After losing Jason Hatcher to the Redskins, there might not have been a single team needier for any single position than the Cowboys were for a defensive tackle. Things were so desperate for the Cowboys at defensive tackle this season that Nick Hayden not only started at defensive tackle, but lead all Cowboy defensive linemen in snaps played, this coming after he played a combined 22 snaps in 2011 and 2012. He predictably struggled, grading out as Pro Football Focus’ 2nd worst ranked defensive tackle. Their depth was awful as well. Hatcher was their only even functional defensive tackle.
However, the Cowboys are in one of the worst cap situations in the NFL. To even get to the point where they can sign their draft picks and depth, they had to push a significant amount of cap hit to future years (when they’ll be in the same situation) and get arguably their best defensive player, DeMarcus Ware. When I saw they signed Henry Melton, I knew it could be a great fit, considering his history with defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli and the Cowboys’ need at defensive tackle, but I was worried they added another big contract to their cap, which would make their team even more top heavy and make it even harder for them to get under the cap in the future.
Fortunately, they were able to give Melton a very team friendly deal. It’s essentially a one-year deal with an option for the final 3 seasons. The first season is essentially a one-year prove it deal for a player who missed most of last season with a torn ACL, after being franchise tagged by the Bears in the off-season. He’ll make 2.25 million guaranteed worth up to 5 million in incentives (in per game roster bonuses and statistical milestones).
The Cowboys will then have an option for 2015-2017 at a combined 24 million (7.5 million in 2015 and 2016 and 9 million in 2017). This is a very team and cap friendly team for a Cowboys team that desperately needed one. Melton, meanwhile, will serve as an adequate replacement for Jason Hatcher if healthy, though they still need another defensive tackle or two (perhaps through the draft). Melton was Pro Football Focus’ 16th ranked defensive tackle in 2011 and 7th ranked defensive tackle in 2012, both seasons under Rod Marinelli. The torn ACL he suffered last season is a concern, but he’s still young (going into his age 28 season) and doesn’t have much of a history of injury. This was a very good move for the Cowboys in their current situation.
Grade: A
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