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Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(Editor's Note: With NFL free agency still to come, the Cowboys' roster remains very much unfinished. In this summer series, DallasCowboys.com takes a look at a number of veterans who could wind up in Dallas before the season begins. Today's featured player is Giants' pass rusher Mathias Kiwanuka.)
Name: Mathias Kiwanuka
Position: Outside Linebacker
College: Boston College
Height/Weight: 6-5 / 265
Age: 28
NFL Experience: 5 seasons
Availability: Unlike most of the free agents, Kiwanuka doesn't need a decision by the league to figure out his status. He will be an unrestricted free agent whenever the signing period begins. There is a chance he will return to the Giants, but it could just be for a one-year deal based off last year's neck injury that caused him to miss the final 13 games. Obviously, Kiwanuka will be seeking a long-term contract, but he might have to wait until he proves he can fully recover from the injury.
What He Brings: While the jury is out a bit on him, Kiwanuka has been a solid pass-rusher off the edge when healthy. In 2009 and 2010, he had 80 tackles and 11 sacks while trying to find playing time behind Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. Many thought Kiwanuka would have a breakout year in 2011 before his injury. He can play defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, but certainly has the body type to play outside backer in a 3-4 defense.
Connections: Kiwanuka doesn't have any direct ties to the Cowboys staff, but playing twice a year in the division for the past five seasons is good enough. The Dallas coaches should know exactly what type of player Kiwanuka is when he's healthy. Now, Rob Ryan hasn't been exposed to him as much, but coaches know a good pass-rusher when he's there.
Where Would He Fit: Now comes the tricky part. It's not like the Cowboys are extremely needy for outside pass rushers, but if Kiwanuka gets to free agency and it becomes apparent that a one-year or two-deal is his best option, then the Cowboys could become players in the market. Anthony Spencer has just one year remaining on his contract and who knows if Victor Butler and/or Brandon Williams will ever develop into a consistent starter. If the Cowboys have the ability to take a chance on Kiwanuka for relatively cheap, then it's the type of move that makes sense. And, you could bet Rob Ryan would be on board with it. He can figure out a way to utilize all the pass-rushers in his stable. If it comes down to shelling out big bucks for Kiwanuka and preparing to start him right away, then the Cowboys wouldn't be a good fit.
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(Editor's Note: With NFL free agency still to come, the Cowboys' roster remains very much unfinished. In this summer series, DallasCowboys.com takes a look at a number of veterans who could wind up in Dallas before the season begins. Today's featured player is Giants' pass rusher Mathias Kiwanuka.)
Name: Mathias Kiwanuka
Position: Outside Linebacker
College: Boston College
Height/Weight: 6-5 / 265
Age: 28
NFL Experience: 5 seasons
Availability: Unlike most of the free agents, Kiwanuka doesn't need a decision by the league to figure out his status. He will be an unrestricted free agent whenever the signing period begins. There is a chance he will return to the Giants, but it could just be for a one-year deal based off last year's neck injury that caused him to miss the final 13 games. Obviously, Kiwanuka will be seeking a long-term contract, but he might have to wait until he proves he can fully recover from the injury.
What He Brings: While the jury is out a bit on him, Kiwanuka has been a solid pass-rusher off the edge when healthy. In 2009 and 2010, he had 80 tackles and 11 sacks while trying to find playing time behind Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. Many thought Kiwanuka would have a breakout year in 2011 before his injury. He can play defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, but certainly has the body type to play outside backer in a 3-4 defense.
Connections: Kiwanuka doesn't have any direct ties to the Cowboys staff, but playing twice a year in the division for the past five seasons is good enough. The Dallas coaches should know exactly what type of player Kiwanuka is when he's healthy. Now, Rob Ryan hasn't been exposed to him as much, but coaches know a good pass-rusher when he's there.
Where Would He Fit: Now comes the tricky part. It's not like the Cowboys are extremely needy for outside pass rushers, but if Kiwanuka gets to free agency and it becomes apparent that a one-year or two-deal is his best option, then the Cowboys could become players in the market. Anthony Spencer has just one year remaining on his contract and who knows if Victor Butler and/or Brandon Williams will ever develop into a consistent starter. If the Cowboys have the ability to take a chance on Kiwanuka for relatively cheap, then it's the type of move that makes sense. And, you could bet Rob Ryan would be on board with it. He can figure out a way to utilize all the pass-rushers in his stable. If it comes down to shelling out big bucks for Kiwanuka and preparing to start him right away, then the Cowboys wouldn't be a good fit.