Cowboys DT David Irving likely won’t land long-term contract in Dallas

The 2017 NFL season for the Dallas Cowboys did not end how they would have wanted. However, they managed to show a new element to their team that they had not had in years — a formidable pass rush.

Unfortunately, it could be gone almost as quickly as it started with defensive tackle David Irving set to become a restricted free agent this offseason. According to Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News, executive vice president Stephen Jones feels it is unlikely that both sides will agree to a long-term deal:

“It'll be a difficult one and probably, if anything, he needs to put together a full season and consistency and all of that,” Jones said. “Obviously played outstanding when he was healthy. DeMarcus Lawrence put together a full, great year and obviously that's important. So, therefore, I think it'd be really difficult to figure out something long-term with David.”

Aside from the emergence of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, Irving enjoyed perhaps the biggest breakout performance on the team this year with a career-high 7.0 sacks and six pass deflections. Perhaps even more impressive was that he managed to do it in just eight games after missing half the season to both a suspension and a concussion.

That said, it seems Jones would like to see more consistency from the third-year man out of Iowa State before signing him to a lucrative contract. Fortunately, that does not mean his departure is an inevitability. The Cowboys can place a second-round tender on Irving that will allow them to match any offer he receives this offseason. Should they refuse to sign him, Dallas would receive a second-round pick.