Rebuilding the Corner: 5 Free Agents Dallas Cowboys Should Sign To Replace Jourdan Lewis, Ending Coverage Woes

The Dallas Cowboys are in desperate need of a new corner opposite starting right cornerback Denzel Ward. After Jourdan Lewis suffered a torn ACL in Week 3, the Cowboys have been struggling to find consistency in the secondary. Lewis's injury has left the team vulnerable to big plays and has put a spotlight on the team's lack of depth at the position. With the 2023 NFL draft approaching, the Cowboys may consider the following free agents to fill the void.

The Cowboys have a number of internal candidates to fill the role, including rookie corner Bisley Shaw, and safety Donovan Wilson, but the team's limited experience and lack of proven pass-coverage skills make them ill-equipped to replace Lewis. In order to improve their chances of making a deep playoff run, the Cowboys will need to supplement their roster with some veteran talent.

Free agency is an attractive option for the Cowboys as it allows them to bring in experienced players who can provide an immediate impact. Here are five free agents that the Cowboys should consider signing to replace Jourdan Lewis.

Signing Options: Experienced Veterans

Xavier Woods

Xavier Woods is a seven-year veteran cornerback who has played for the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. He has a proven track record of being able to cover tight ends and has shown the ability to make plays on the ball.

Woods is a ball-hawking corner who has intercepted 13 passes in his career, including two in 2020. He has a physical presence and is able to compete at the line of scrimmage, making him a good fit for the Cowboys' 4-2-5 scheme.

• Woods has been a starter for two seasons and has 25 starts in his career
• He has an interception return for a touchdown in 2020
• Woods has a strong tackling technique and is able to bring down receivers in the open field

Justin Layne

Justin Layne is a 2020 second-round pick of the Detroit Lions. He has seen limited playing time in his career, but has shown flashes of being able to cover the outside.

Layne has a strong vertical leap and is able to make plays on the ball, but his physicality is not as strong as some of the other corners in free agency. He is still developing and may require some time to prove himself.

• Layne has been a member of the Lions for three seasons
• He has seen 19 starts in his career, but has struggled to stay healthy
• Layne has a strong ball skills and is able to make plays on the ball

Armani Watts

Armani Watts is a 2020 second-round pick of the Houston Texans. He has seen limited playing time in his career, but has shown flashes of being able to cover the outside.

Watts has a strong physical presence and is able to compete at the line of scrimmage. He is also a ball-hawking corner who has intercepted three passes in his career.

• Watts has been a member of the Texans for three seasons
• He has seen 12 starts in his career, but has struggled to stay healthy
• Watts has a strong tackling technique and is able to bring down receivers in the open field

Tre Brown

Tre Brown is a 2020 second-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks. He has seen limited playing time in his career, but has shown flashes of being able to cover the outside.

Brown has a strong physical presence and is able to compete at the line of scrimmage. He is also a ball-hawking corner who has intercepted two passes in his career.

• Brown has been a member of the Seahawks for three seasons
• He has seen 12 starts in his career, but has struggled to stay healthy
• Brown has a strong vertical leap and is able to make plays on the ball

Keenan Thompson

Keenan Thompson is a six-year veteran cornerback who has played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons. He has a proven track record of being able to cover tight ends and has shown the ability to make plays on the ball.

Thompson has a physical presence and is able to compete at the line of scrimmage. He is also a ball-hawking corner who has intercepted four passes in his career.

• Thompson has been a starter for two seasons and has 25 starts in his career
• He has an interception return for a touchdown in 2019
• Thompson has a strong tackling technique and is able to bring down receivers in the open field

Signing Options: Emerging Talent

Kylan Woods

Kylan Woods is a 2022 draft pick of the Los Angeles Chargers. He has seen limited playing time in his career, but has shown flashes of being able to cover the outside.

Woods has a strong physical presence and is able to compete at the line of scrimmage. He is also a ball-hawking corner who has intercepted one pass in his career.

• Woods has been a member of the Chargers for two seasons
• He has seen two starts in his career
• Woods has a strong vertical leap and is able to make plays on the ball

Kevin Jones

Kevin Jones is a 2022 draft pick of the New York Giants. He has seen limited playing time in his career, but has shown flashes of being able to cover the outside.

Jones has a strong physical presence and is able to compete at the line of scrimmage. He is also a ball-hawking corner who has intercepted one pass in his career.

• Jones has been a member of the Giants for two seasons
• He has seen one start in his career
• Jones has a strong tackling technique and is able to bring down receivers in the open field

Signing Options: Positional Matchups

Rodgers/Cowboys Experience

Xavier Woods, Justin