Dallas Cowboys expected to lose key defensive starter to Atlanta Falcons

The Dallas Cowboys have had a disappointing season as many believed they would contend for a Super Bowl ahead of the 2024 campaign. 

A slow start, a season-ending injury to starting QB Dak Prescott, a change in defensive coordinator and an offseason where the Dallas brass didn’t do anything to add new talent to a roster that lost plenty has led to the Cowboys having a (7-8) record and already eliminated from the playoffs with two games remaining in the regular season. 

In the first seven games of the season, the Cowboys defense was a major issue to put it lightly. They allowed more than 400 yards four times in that span, allowed more than seven yards a play to their opponents and allowed their opponents to convert on third down more than 40 percent of the time. 

The Cowboys defense has looked to finally have adjusted to the change in scheme with Mike Zimmer taking over in the offseason, with the unit playing much better over the last few weeks. 

One of the top players on the Dallas defense has flown under-the-radar for most of his career and is putting together one of the best seasons since he came into the NFL. 

Among 46 cornerbacks who've played at least 400 coverage snaps, Lewis' 77.0 coverage grade ranks 10th, per Pro Football Focus. He's also first at the position in average depth of target (5.6), seventh in receiving yards allowed (342), eighth in yards allowed per catch (9.5) and 12th in percentage of targets got (69.2%). 

Lewis is also known for thriving in the run game, and he has 19 tackles that constitute a failure for the offense, the most among cornerbacks.

Nick Holder of Bleacher Report believes the Atlanta Falcons will sign Lewis in the offseason which would mean the Cowboys losing a key piece of their defense. 

Atlanta could afford to upgrade its nickelback spot over Dee Alford, who is a restricted free agent this offseason. Meanwhile, Lewis has a strong track record manning the slot and shouldn't be too expensive in free agency.

He will turn 30 in August and has put together an impressive campaign this year, logging 19 defensive stops and a 77.0 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus through Week 15.

The Falcons are currently ranked 20th in the NFL in passing defense, allowing 223.4 yards per game. 

Lewis would be an obvious upgrade for the Atlanta defense, so it’s not hard to see this scenario playing out.