Before linebacker Anthony Hitchens even signed a contract with the Cowboys, he was being discussed as a possible replacement for Sean Lee in the wake of Lee’s torn ACL.
Hitchens doesn’t think he’s quite ready for that level of responsibility yet, but he was ready to sign his name to a four-year deal with the team. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports that Hitchens has signed his pact, moving the Cowboys closer to having all of their picks under contract.
Hitchens led Iowa in tackles in 2012 and 2013, but he did so playing on the weak side so there is definitely some work to do if he is going to find himself playing in the middle in place of Lee this season. Hitchens said that he’s leaning on Lee for advice and mentorship this spring in order to prepare himself as well as possible for the role, which isn’t a bad approach for a player with a realistic read on his chances to jump right into a starting job in the NFL.
If the Cowboys don’t make any moves for veteran help at linebacker, Hitchens will likely remain in the mix for that job into training camp. If he’s a fast learner, he may even wind up there come Week One.