Justin Durant

The Dallas Cowboys and free agent LB Justin Durant agreed to terms on a one-year deal on Monday.

Fantasy Impact

The Cowboys brought back nine-year veteran Justin Durant following Rolando McClain's recent 10-game ban to add much-needed depth and experience to their linebacker corps. Dallas' defensive unit was gashed this offseason by the NFL as the league handed out suspensions to three of their starters on the front seven and Durant will be used to bridge the gap until their return. Dallas' D/ST should be considered a borderline fantasy option in 2016 that should remain on the waiver wire until they show their true identity.

With Rolando McClain suspended, Cowboys are talking to LB Justin Durant. Could sign soon.

Fantasy Impact

In the two season Durant played in Dallas he tallied 16 games, 73 tackles, three forced fumbles and one sack. Those numbers don't seem like much but when you watch the film you realize that Durant was a play maker all over the field. If Durant signs with Dallas he will add some leadership to an up and coming LB core.

Justin Durant tore his bicep late in the Cowboys' loss to the Redskins.

Fantasy Impact

Justin Durant has been the vocal leader for the Cowboys and also led the team in tackles this season with his 49 tackles. The Cowboys will turn to young Kyle Wilber and Anthony Hitchens to help Rolando McClain and Bruce Carter at linebacker, but this will be a huge hit for the Cowboys' defense if he misses significant time. The even more complicated aspect is that rookie pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence is due to come off of the IR this week and Durant's injury will determine if he is on the 53 man roster. The Cowboys may be able to get a boost from Lawrence, a silver lining to the Durant injury.

Justin Durant set to return against New Orleans.

Fantasy Impact

Durant was active in a Week 1 loss to San Francisco, as he had 7 tackles, and the Cowboys will be excited to have their starting weakside linebacker return. Durant may not be a huge impact player as an IDP, but the addition of Durant, Anthony Spencer, and the impending return of Rolando McClain may help the Cowboys defense in total. The Cowboys defense is still not playable but those additions, as well as Morris Claiborne being replaced by Orlando Scandrick, could keep them as a decent bye week defense. Look for the Cowboys defense to get healthy and be a fantasy bye week play in Week 10 against the Jaguars.