Fantasy Impact: Allen Hurns Signs with Cowboys

Posted by Doc Fantasy
Friday, March 23, 2018 | 0 comments

Allen Hurns Signs with Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the least active teams in NFL free agency in 2018. Due to server salary cap issues, the team has had to be a spectator on the sidelines while big-name players have signed to other teams. However, on Friday the Cowboys did add a player that should add value to the team’s passing game. The Dallas Cowboys signed WR Allen Hurns, formerly of the Jaguars, to a two-year, $12 million contract.

Cowboys Ugly Salary Cap Issues

The Cowboys are currently ranked dead last in available salary cap funds but were able to make the Hurns contract work. The team’s cap problem is really quite amazing considering they are paying their starting quarterback just $630,000, which is less than any other team in the NFL. Dak Prescott’s rookie contract expires at the end of 2019, so the Cowboys do have time before they need to lock him up long term. The cap trouble stems from dead money tied up with ex-players like Tony Romo.

Flash Forward: For the 2019 season, the Dallas Cowboys will spend a quarter of their salary cap on Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, Orlando Scandrick (Redskins) and Tony Romo (CBS).

Fantasy Impact

With the exception of a few late round draft picks from last season, 26-year-old Allen Hurns becomes one of the youngest pass-catchers to join the Cowboys starting lineup. Dez Bryant (29), Cole Beasley (28), Jason Witten (35) and Terrance Williams (28) are all a veteran group. Adding a player like Hurns, despite his history of injuries, could be a nice pickup for the Cowboys passing game. Look for Hurns to challenge the WR2 spot immediately.

The Cowboys were tied for 18th in the NFL last season for touchdown passes with just 22, and ranked 26th in total passing yards.

Hurns will be a late round overlooked player in redraft leagues but could be in for a solid season if he can gel with his new quarterback Dak Prescott. With only ever playing with Blake Bortles, Hurns may benefit from a QB change.

Dynasty: Hurn’s landing spot does give him nice value bump in Dynasty leagues. In deep leagues with a lot of starting positions, Hurns may come in handy for bye week replacement spots throughout the year. He is a definite upgrade to Terrance Williams.

Bottom Line: With all the team’s salary cap problems becoming more and more clear, it was predicted that the Cowboys would cut Bryant before free agency. Peter King from SI.com said three weeks ago he’d be surprised if the team didn’t cut Bryant.

“I think I won’t understand it if the Cowboys keep Dez Bryant and pass up saving $8.5 million in cap space on a declining 30-year-old receiver,” wrote Peter King on MMQB.com. “It’s smarter, for many reasons, to cut him.”

This seems very much like this is Dez Bryant’s final season. If that’s the case, Hurns could be in a good position in keeper leagues in terms of volume when the team does decide to part ways with him. I also expect Dallas to be targeting a wide receiver in the first round or second round.

Thanks for reading

Mike Rigz | Fantasy Impact: Allen Hurns Signs with Cowboys - Gridiron Experts