Garrett: Sean Lee's natural spot is weakside linebacker
March, 26, 2015
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys have hinted at moving Sean Lee to weakside linebacker since the middle of last season. At the NFL owners meetings, those hints were even stronger if not 100 percent certain.
The Cowboys have signed middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley, guaranteeing him $2 million in 2015, and continue to speak with the agent of middle linebacker Rolando McClain about a possible return.
The Cowboys have no qualms about a position change for Lee since he played outside linebacker at Penn State.
"I think we have to look at the landscape of our linebackers and we'll make our best decisions," coach Jason Garrett said. "Sean Lee has great instincts. In our defense, he would be protected by that under-tackle, that three-technique at the Will, where he can go and use those instincts. It's the Derrick Brooks position, it's the Lance Briggs position, and we just think Sean would do a fantastic job at it."
The weakside linebacker spot is the playmaking position in the defense. Justin Durant made 59 tackles in six games last year, according to the coaches' breakdown, at the spot.
But there is another reason to move Lee from middle linebacker and it has to do with his health. He
He missed last season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in the organized team activities and has yet to play a full season.
"That's his most natural position," Garrett said of the weakside spot. "Sean Lee's biggest issue throughout his whole career has been his health. If Sean Lee can stay healthy, he can be one of the best linebackers in this league -- and he has been. When he's been on the field, he's been as productive as anybody playing that position. He can play Mike, he can play Will, he can play Sam. He's an outstanding football player. We do think that Will is the best fit for him."