3 Dallas Cowboys players could surprise with big 2021 seasons

3. Keanu Neal, linebacker/safety

After allocating so many of their resources to the offensive side of the ball in recent years, the Dallas Cowboys had to get a little bit creative with some additions they made defensively in the 2021 offseason.

Bringing over Dan Quinn from the Atlanta Falcons to be the defensive coordinator was the first and biggest step towards a potential revival on that side of the ball, and Quinn identified one of his former first-round picks with the Falcons as a key addition in 2021.

Keanu Neal came to Dallas in the 2021 offseason on a one-year deal after racking up 100 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three QB hits, a sack, and an interception last season in Atlanta.

Neal has always been known for hitting hard, and his physical style of play has likely caused him to miss some significant time. He played just four games from 2018-19.

Despite some potential concerns about his ability to stay healthy, Neal is making the full-time switch to linebacker in Dallas and should be a significant factor this season despite the team already having Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, and new first-round pick Micah Parsons in the fold.

Neal has experience in Dan Quinn’s defense and experience floating around that defense, to boot. He can play a versatile role and has proven he can load up the stat sheet. For just one year, $5 million, he could prove to be a really nice surprise and bargain for the Dallas Cowboys.