Dallas Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens is set to be a free agent this offseason, and with Dallas giving big contracts to some of their other players, they're expected to let him hit the open market once the new league year starts.
Once he's there, the Indianapolis Colts are hoping to scoop Hitchens up, according to Newy Scruggs of The Dallas Morning News.
"The Cowboys could find themselves being outbid for linebacker Anthony Hitchens," Scruggs said. "He is not going to give the club a hometown discount. The Colts have a lot of salary cap space and Matt Eberflus is expected to become their defensive coordinator under Josh McDaniels. McDaniels is reportedly set to be their new head coach after the Patriots' season ends. The Colts have $84 million in salary cap space and need defensive help. If I'm Eberflus, I want to get a player who I know and who knows my scheme. I expect them to give Hitchens a contract the Cowboys can't afford to match."
Eberflus has been the Cowboys' linebacker coach since January 2011.
MORE COWBOYS RUMORS: Latest on Matt Eberflus, David Irving, John Pagano, Ray Horton and coaching staff
Even if Dallas decides to put forward the contract necessary to bring Hitchens back, there's a bit of a logjam at linebacker. Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith are both locked into starting roles next season, and with other more pressing needs, they're expected to try to find their third linebacker either through the draft or by signing a cheaper free agent.
Hitchens, 25, racked up 84 tackles with a forced fumble in 12 games last season.
Stick with us in the Chat Sports app or follow Dallas Cowboys Chat Sports on Facebook to be the 1st to know every breaking story and all the rumors on the Dallas Cowboys.
Back to the Dallas Cowboys Newsfeed