Cowboys will probably like newly-signed defensive end's biggest calling card

The Dallas Cowboys are set to sign defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Thursday.

The Cowboys' decision to sign Muhammad, formerly with the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints, came after working out multiple defensive ends in the wake of Sam Williams' season-ending injury . Muhammad proved victorious over a bunch of players including Carl Lawson , arguably the biggest name on the list.

Muhammad is set to join a defensive end room with very little experience beyond starters DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons. Other than those two, five Cowboys defensive ends in the depth chart combine for 31 defensive snaps, with many second-year players set to take on bigger roles along second-round rookie Marshawn Kneeland, who will likely play the biggest role in replacing Williams.

Muhammad hasn't played a down of regular season football since 2022, when he played 16 games for the Bears and recorded one sack. He was later released and landed at Indy for a second stint. As a practice squad member, Muhammad was suspended for six games in 2023 for violating the league's P.E.D. policy.

Colts insider on what to expect from Cowboys' Al-Quadin Muhammad

Muhammad played his best football as a Colt back in 2021, when he got 17 starts and six sacks off the edge. Here's what A to Z Sports' Colts insider and beat writer Destin Adams had to say about the expectations Cowboys fans should have:

"Muhammed's ability as a run defender off the edge helped him play significant snaps for the Colts during his tenure in Indianapolis. He won't be a difference maker as a pass rusher, but his willingness and skill as a run defender should offer the Cowboys a decent rotational defensive lineman with a solid floor to compete for a roster spot." - Destin Adams

The fact that Muhammad's biggest calling card is skill against the run could really help his case to make the roster considering how much of a focus improving the run defense has been for the coaches. That alone should keep him in the running for a 53-man spot.

Buckle up: The reignited Cowboys' competition at DE has a new face but expect Kneeland to be the team's Plan A to replace Williams.

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