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Dallas Cowboys Bolster Edge Depth with Signings of Al-Quadin Muhammad and Shaka Toney

In the wake of Sam Williams’ season-ending injury, the Dallas Cowboys have moved swiftly to shore up their defensive line. Following a series of workouts with veteran edge rushers, the Cowboys opted to sign Al-Quadin Muhammad and Shaka Toney. These additions come as the team seeks to solidify its pass-rushing unit ahead of the 2024 NFL season.

Williams, who suffered a devastating injury that will sideline him for the entire season, left a significant void in the Cowboys’ defensive front. His absence necessitated immediate action from the Cowboys’ front office, leading to Thursday’s workout sessions with Carl Lawson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Shaka Toney, and Justin Hollins. While Lawson’s previous experience with Cowboys’ run game coordinator Paul Guenther made him a notable candidate, the team ultimately chose to bring Muhammad and Toney on board.

Al-Quadin Muhammad’s career has been marked by both promise and setbacks. The New Jersey native began his collegiate career at the University of Miami, where disciplinary issues limited his playing time. Despite a strong junior year, Muhammad was dismissed from the program following an NCAA violation. He entered the 2017 NFL Draft and was selected in the sixth round by the New Orleans Saints. However, he was released after just one season and was subsequently picked up by the Indianapolis Colts.

In Indianapolis, Muhammad found stability under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Over four seasons with the Colts, he developed into a reliable rotational pass rusher, amassing 11 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and 127 total tackles. His best season came in 2021, after which he followed Eberflus to the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately, his tenure in Chicago was short-lived, marred by underperformance and a subsequent release. Muhammad returned to the Colts in 2023 but faced a suspension for violating the league’s PED policy, resulting in a season-long absence.

Despite these challenges, Muhammad’s potential as a pass rusher remains evident. During his peak years with the Colts, he demonstrated a combination of speed and physicality, consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks. His experience and skill set could provide the Cowboys with much-needed depth and veteran presence along the defensive line. However, it remains to be seen if Muhammad can regain his top form after a prolonged absence from the field.

Shaka Toney, on the other hand, represents a younger, more unproven talent. Toney reunites with his former Penn State teammate, Micah Parsons, in Dallas. During their college days, Toney was a standout edge rusher, recording 21.5 sacks over four seasons. His athletic prowess was highly regarded, as evidenced by his impressive Relative Athletic Score, ranking eighth among edge rushers in his draft class.

Selected in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders, Toney found playing time hard to come by behind a star-studded defensive line that featured Chase Young and Montez Sweat. Over two seasons, he managed only eight pressures on 112 pass-rushing snaps, with most of his contributions coming on special teams. His career hit a significant roadblock in 2023 when he was suspended indefinitely for gambling violations, but he was reinstated earlier this year.

Toney’s potential lies in his speed and athleticism, attributes that made him a force in college. His familiarity with Parsons could also aid his transition to the Cowboys’ system. However, Toney remains a developmental prospect, needing to prove he can adapt to the NFL’s physical demands and contribute consistently on defense.

The signings of Muhammad and Toney provide the Cowboys with additional options to restructure their edge-rushing rotation. With Williams out, rookie Marshawn Kneeland is expected to shoulder a larger workload. However, the presence of Muhammad and Toney will create a competitive environment during training camp, allowing the Cowboys to evaluate their best combinations for applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

In summary, the Dallas Cowboys’ decision to sign Al-Quadin Muhammad and Shaka Toney is a strategic move to address the sudden gap in their defensive line caused by Sam Williams’ injury. Muhammad brings veteran experience and a proven track record as a rotational pass rusher, while Toney offers untapped potential and elite athleticism. As training camp progresses, the Cowboys will be keenly watching how these new additions integrate into their defensive scheme and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.