Dallas City News

If there’s one thing about Jourdan Lewis, it’s that he’s going to produce if he’s on the field. Besides 2018 when he didn’t quite fit what former defensive backs coach Kris Richard wanted to do, and dealing with a Lisfranc injury in 2022 that cost him 11 games, Lewis has logged over 50 tackles in each of his other five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. His best stretch has come over the last four seasons in which he’s helped the Cowboys become one of the most opportunistic defensive units in the league.

That was during the Dan Quinn era in Dallas, but Lewis has shined under several defensive coordinators during his time with the Cowboys. In 2024, Lewis will have to adjust again to a new leader, and this time, it’s Mike Zimmer, one of the better defensive minds there has been in the NFL. As the Cowboys kicked off training camp last week, Lewis spoke on the changes in this new scheme that he’s noticed in the early stages, getting everything down.

“It’s some wrinkles [in the defense],” said Lewis. “But we really don’t know [everything yet], because we only had a few weeks with him [this offseason]. I really enjoyed the scheme … and I’m really excited to see it in training camp and to see what he has in store for us.”

Lewis is no stranger to contract negotiations with the Cowboys. He signed a three-year extension in 2021 and then proceeded to set career-highs in tackles, interceptions, and pass breakups. Lewis was a free agent this offseason, and unlike several other former teammates that followed Quinn to the Washington Commanders, Lewis re-signed with the Cowboys on a one-year deal.

The former third-round pick could’ve possibly gotten more money somewhere else or even a bigger role without guys like Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland in front of him. However, Lewis thinks Zimmer’s scheme can create more chances for him to make plays, and simply put, Dallas is where his heart lies.

“I knew that there would be a change in scenery, and that schematically it would help me,” Lewis said. “Just trying to be a focal point of the defense, and understanding that I can make some plays in the defense. And I’m home, Dallas is home for my family, my kids, so it was kind of like a no-brainer, honestly.”

The foot injury from a few years ago was career-threatening for Lewis. After an extensive rehab process, he bounced back with a strong 2023 campaign with 52 tackles, an interception, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles (career-high), and two fumble recoveries in 16 games. This led to him receiving the team’s Ed Block Courage award.

Lewis comes into training camp healthy this time around, which he allowed him to concentrate on more important things than getting healed.

“I got to train my movements and do DB stuff and focus on making sure the foot is stronger and of out there and do your stuff and perform,” Lewis said. “And get better at different aspects of the game that you want to and not thinking about rehab.”

Smart says that Lewis will fully absorb what Zimmer is teaching and be productive. After all, that’s just what he does.