3 free agents Dallas Cowboys can sign to replace Jourdan Lewis

The Dallas Cowboys need a new slot cornerback.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs dances during warmup against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs dances during warmup against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium. / Candice Ward-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys just lost one of their most underrated players as cornerback Jourdan Lewis agreed to terms on a new contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

According to reports, Lewis will become one of the highest paid slot corners in the NFL. As much as he meant to the Dallas defense, Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones weren’t going to try and outbid anyone.

MORE: Cowboys re-sign versatile defender to multi-year contract

With Lewis gone, Dallas must now find a replacement to play in the nickel. Here are the top three options they can target in NFL free agency.


Mike Hilton

Dallas Cowboys
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If Dallas really wants to be “selectively, aggressive,” they could go after one of the top cornerbacks on the market. Mike Hilton spent four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, before joining the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021.

He spent the past four seasons with Cincy, proving to be one of the best slot corners in the game. He won’t come cheap but he would be a potential upgrade at a very important position.


Nate Hobbs

Dallas Cowboys
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs celebrates intercepting a Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford / Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

A fifth-round pick out of out of Illinois in 2021, Nate Hobbs has been one of the best nickel corners in the NFL when healthy. The problem is, that he’s not always healthy.

MORE: 3 Dallas Cowboys predicted to leave in NFL free agency

Throughout his first four seasons in the league, Hobbs has missed 17 games due to injury. That’s why the Raiders may not be quick to resign him, but if Dallas wants to shoot for a low risk-high reward type of player, Hobbs could make sense on a one-year deal.


Israel Mukuamu

Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys safety Israel Mukuamu runs after intercepting a pass from Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

If Dallas doesn’t want to take a chance on a player who has been injured as of late, or pay the high price for a proven veteran, they could keep an in-house option, such as Israel Mukuamu.

A sixth-round pick from South Carolina in 2021, Mukuamu converted to safety after playing corner in the NCAA. He took the position well, however, the most success that he has found as a pro has been when Dallas has played him in the slot.

That makes him an underrated option to keep an eye on if the Cowboys wanted to try and save some money while we’re replacing Lewis.

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Randy Gurzi
RANDY GURZI

Randy Gurzi is a graduate of Arizona State and has focused on NFL coverage since 2014.