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Keanu Neal played five seasons in safety in Atlanta. Not only will the newly-sung Dallas Cowboy change cities, but he will also have a new position.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Cowboys are planning to change Neal to the weak side linebacker, according to people with knowledge of the situation.
A potential move was speculated before Neal agreed to a one-year, $ 5 million contract with the Cowboys over the weekend.
Neal’s hard-hitting style and ability to take on the run makes his time at linebacker an intriguing move. Considering that the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has never made this move in Atlanta, it adds additional interest to the exchange of position.
We have seen more and more securities attempt to move to linebacker – in some regimes called “cash” backers – in recent years, with mixed results. Rated at 6’1, 216 pounds, we’ll see if Neal can make a positive transition. If he were to become a hard-hitting linebacker, Neal would hit the open market the next offseason with more options.
A Pro Bowl safety in 2017, Neal’s career has been hit hard by injuries. He missed all but four games from 2018 to 2019. On the pitch, however, he has proven to be an executioner with a reach. He’s made at least 100 tackles in every season he’s played at least 14 games.
With Neal nominated to move on to linebacker, the question is what that means for Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith. LVE seems destined to patrol in the middle. Smith could move on to the role of rushed LEO in Quinn’s system, given his knack for rushing the passer.
Either way, Neal switching to linebacker provides the Cowboys’ versatility at the mid-level of defense, especially improving coverage.
The move means the Cowboys are still in the market for extra safety help. Rapoport reported that the Cowboys are hosting free agents Malik Hooker and Damontae Kazee. The latter also played under Quinn in Atlanta.
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