The Dallas Cowboys said goodbye to several familiar faces during the 2024 NFL offseason

After Dan Quinn stole some Cowboys during free agency, Dallas has gotten revenged by stealing back a player from the franchise’s former defensive coordinator.

Defensive tackle Jordan Pihllips was sent to the IR with a wrist injury, so he will be gone for a minimum of four games. With him out, the Cowboys turned to a familiar face in Carlos Watkins. Watkins was in Dallas during the 2021 and 2022 campaigns, where he worked with former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

The Dallas Cowboys said goodbye to several familiar faces during the 2024 NFL offseason, including former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. The 54-year-old defensive specialist joined the Washington Commanders as their new head coach, leading to him luring players like defensive tackle Dorance Armstrong and center Tyler Biadasz to the NFC East rival.

While players switching teams is the norm around the NFL, it’s clear that Quinn has tried to screw the Cowboys over ever since he left town. On Wednesday, America’s Team got some revenge against the former DC by stealing away a defender from the Commanders.

Cowboys Sign Carlos Watkins from Commanders Practice Squad

On Wednesday, Cowboys insider Calvin Watkins reported that the team has signed pass rusher Carlos Watkins from the Commanders’ practice squad. The news comes a few minutes after Dallas announced that veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips was heading to the injured reserve with a wrist injury.

A former 2017 fourth-round pick by the Houston Texans, Cowboys fans will remember Watkins from signing back-to-back one-year contracts for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The ex-Clemson product went on to play 27 games (18 starts) in a Dallas jersey, resulting in 30 solo tackles, an interception, one forced fumble, and a sack.

Watkins left the Cowboys in 2023 to join the Arizona Cardinals on a one-year contract. Unfortunately, the veteran defensive end couldn’t get anything going last year as his season ended when he suffered a biceps injury in Week 2.

The Forest City, NC native was signed by the LA Rams back on Aug. 14 but was released less than two weeks later, paving the way for his signing with the Commanders. He made his season debut during Washington’s Week 2 win over the New York Giants, however, he barely made an impact as he was limited to just three defensive snaps.

While Watkins likely won’t be a game-changer for the Cowboys, he does provide some veteran depth that’ll become more crucial as the season progresses. You can also argue that his best performances came when he was with Dallas, leaving time to tell if he can replicate those results if given the opportunity.

Watkins will have his first chance to suit up for the Cowboys when they host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. Mike McCarthy’s team can use all the help it can get as FanDuel Sportsbook is currently listing the Ravens as the 1.5-point favorite over the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.