When DeMarcus Ware was released from the Cowboys due to his high salary, nine seasons and 117 sacks walked out the door, with the seven-time Pro Bowler eventually landing with the Broncos. Add in the Cowboys losing Jason Hatcher, who totaled 11 sacks last season, and the void at pass-rusher in Rod Marinelli’s 4-3 defense was unmistakeable.
So, it makes sense that the Cowboys have reached out to another former All-Pro, Julius Peppers, who was released by the Bears on Tuesday. CBSSports’ Jason La Canfora hears that the Cowboys‘ interest in Peppers is “quite real,” pointing out the obvious connection (via Twitter) between Peppers and Marinelli, who teamed in Chicago from 2010-’12.
ESPN reporter Josina Anderson confirmed La Canfora’s report (via Twitter), calling the interest significant but not going so far as to guarantee the deal.
Other free agent rumors from around the NFC…
- Former Buccaneers left tackle Donald Penn, released by the club and replaced by Anthony Collins, will visit the Redskins this weekend, with whom he is already in negotiations, reports La Canfora (via Twitter). Penn flew to Oakland last night to visit with the Raiders but left unsigned.
- Talks between former Steelers safety Ryan Clark and the Redskins are “still in the process,” said Clark’s agent Joel Turner, according to Mike Jones of The Washington Post. The Redskins hosted Clark Thursday and continued negotiations with Turner today. The Panthers have also showed interest in Clark.