The Dallas Cowboys were dealt with a severe blow due to the 10-month suspension of their middle linebacker, Rolando McClain, who was once again found to have violated the league's policy against substance abuse. To make matters worse, McClain's suspension came at a time pass rushers Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory were also not allowed to play.

This prompted the Dallas Cowboys to look into the free agent market to beef up their defensive line. According to a report on ESPN, the Cowboys have already found what they are looking for, and it is a familiar face: its former linebacker and defensive captain Justin Durant.

Durant signed earlier this week a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. He will join the rest of the Cowboys when they fly to Oxnard, California on July 28 to hold their first training camp practice two days after.

Durant can reportedly play all three linebacker spots for the Cowboys, although the Dallas Cowboys already have Anthony Hitchens to serve as starter at middle linebacker while McClain is still under suspension.

During his six games with the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, Durant was credited with 59 tackles to go along with four tackles for loss, two quarterback pressures, one interception, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He however missed 16 games after suffering torn biceps.

Initially, some fans speculated that the Dallas Cowboys were looking at bring back their former defensive tackle Nick Hayden into the team.

During his last three years with the Cowboys, Hayden proved to be an asset, starting in 47 of 48 games.

Hopes of Hayden's comeback to the Dallas Cowboys were however dashed when media organisations, including Fox Cleveland, reported this week that the defensive lineman already signed a deal with the Cleveland Browns.

At present, Hayden has 183 tackles, two career sacks and two fumbled recoveries.