The Dallas Cowboys have not had a good start to NFL free agency. Dorance Armstrong, a seasoned pass rusher, is the most recent veteran to depart Big D.
Armstrong has agreed to terms on a new, lucrative three-year contract worth up to $45 million with the Washington Commanders, although the price tag may surprise some. Free agency agreements won’t formally take effect until Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
“Strong deal for new Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong, three years, maximum value of $45 million, per a league source, for North Shore graduate,” KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson detailed in a March 11, 2024 message on X.
For a defender that played in just one game for Dallas in 2023, this is a hefty sum of money. For background, Armstrong’s prior agreement with the Cowboys was a $12 million, two-year contract.
In 2023, Dorance Armstrong started just one game for the Cowboys before signing a $45 million contract with the Commanders.
That being said, Armstrong played a significant role in the Dallas defense rotation. For two seasons in a row, Armstrong participated in every one of the Cowboys’ 17 games.
38 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, 7.5 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss were recorded by the defender. According to Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com, Armstrong has been “criminally underrated” in the last few years. In Dallas, Armstrong was forced to play behind elite pass rushers like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
“I’ve said it a thousand times and so here’s 1,001: I believe Dorance Armstrong is criminally underrated and, as such, a bigger loss than many will either admit or know,” Walker said in a March 11 message on X. “That doesn’t mean I think he’s irreplaceable in that role, though. It just means people overlook his contributions, of which there are many (including run defense and S/T). Show me Junior Fehoko + Day 3 pick.
“As for Tyler Biadasz, I’ve said the #Cowboys could stand to upgrade at center, so I don’t view that as a big loss — though they need to get it right with his replacement and not take a step backwards there.”
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It’s also critical to remember that, when it comes to these NFL contracts, the specifics really do matter. With all of the incentives in place, Armstrong’s new contract might wind up costing the Commanders far less than the $45 million that was first stated.
Jerry Jones, the owner, has made a lot of noise during the offseason about going “all in” for the next campaign. Nevertheless, the Cowboys continue to lose at the beginning of free agency as two starters (Tyler Biadasz and Tony Pollard) and Armstrong leave the team.
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One thing is certain: Dan Quinn, the new head coach of the Commanders, has his sights set on the players on his old squad. Biadasz and Armstrong are trailing Quinn to Washington.
Quinn might still be attempting to sign players from his last squad. Two more Cowboys prospects to join Quinn in Washington are pass rusher Dante Fowler and cornerback Jourdan Lewis, according to ESPN’s John Keim.
“Another name to watch from Dallas who makes sense: CB Jourdan Lewis,” Keim said in a March 11 post on X. “Can play the slot; familiar with Whitt/Quinn… Sounds like the Commanders have shown interest; see what happens.”