Keanu Neal played five seasons safely in Atlanta. Not only is the newly sung Dallas Cowboy changing cities, but he will also have a new position.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport has reported that the Cowboys are planning to switch Neal to the linebacker, according to sources informed of the situation.
A potential move was speculated before Neal reached a $ 5 million deal with the Cowboys over the weekend.
Neal’s striking style and ability to act against the run make for an interesting move to linebacker. Since new Cowboys defense coordinator Dan Quinn never made the move to Atlanta, it adds more importance to the position swap.
We have seen more security measures try to switch to linebacker – in some schemes called the money backer – to mixed results. We’ll see if Neal can make a positive transition, and that’s 216 pounds. If he becomes an influential linebacker, Neal will enter the open market next season for more options.
A Pro Bowl safety in 2017, and Neal’s career has been hit hard by injuries. He missed all but four games from 2018-2019. If he is on the field, however, he has been proven to be a maintainer with a large scope. He has scored at least 100 tackles in each season, in which he has played at least 14 games.
With Neal not in line, the question is what it means for Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith. It looks like LVE wants to patrol the middle. Smith could move on to the hurried LEO role in Quinn’s system, given his ability to rush past.
No matter how it shakes, Neal moving to linebacker offers the Cowboys versatility at midfield defense, especially to upgrade the coverage.
The move means the Cowboys are still in the market for additional security assistance. Rapoport reported the Cowboys are hosting free agents Malik Hooker and Damontae Kazee. The latter also played under Quinn in Atlanta.