Dallas Cowboys signing cornerback Jourdan Lewis to new one-year contract amid free agency
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis is inking a new deal with the team to stay for at least another season, according to NFL reporter Ari Meirov. The sixth-year defender’s former three-year contract expired on Wednesday, but the Cowboys are re-upping on the former Michigan star. His new deal is fully guaranteed.
After making his return from a Lisfranc injury, Lewis started eight of 16 games this season for Dallas. He ended the season eighth on the defense in tackles with 52 tackles, including two and a half tackles for loss. His lone interception came during the one-point win against the Lions in December. Lewis also forced three fumbles throughout the regular season and recovered two.
A former third-round pick out of Michigan, Lewis has started 42 of the 57 games he appeared in over the past four seasons. He posted career highs with three interceptions, 11 passes defended and 61 tackles in 2021 to go along with 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Last season, he had 26 tackles, with one sack, and one interception in six games played.
His last deal was for three years, $13.5 million. The Cowboys snagged him No. 92 overall in 2017 and inked him to a four-year deal for $3.42 million.
Dallas has a lengthy list of upcoming free agents to consider re-signing, as well as multiple stars who are looking for contract extensions. The list of the Cowboys’ un-signed free agents includes Tyron Smith, Stephon Gilmore, Jayron Kearse, Johnathan Hankins, Chuma Edoga, Noah Igbinoghene and Rico Dowdle.
More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency
The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.
In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.