Cowboys Re-Signing LB Sean Lee is the Ultimate Feel-good Move

The Dallas Cowboys are a team at a crossroads heading into 2020, and this offseason is therefore as critical as it gets. Under a new head coach in Mike McCarthy, the pressure is on to start winning big now that Amari Cooper has a fat contract extension and Dak Prescott is staying in the fold under the franchise tag, while Jason Witten and Byron Jones are among those leaving town.

But that doesn't mean there aren't smaller-money deals out there ready to bring smiles to fans' faces in Big D. Right on cue, veteran linebacker Sean Lee is returning in 2020, as confirmed by agent Mike McCartney.

In these stressful, fearful days of COVID-19, Lee returning to the only NFL team he's ever known is a reason to stand up and cheer.

He has struggled through injuries during his time with the Boys, but when Sean Lee is at his best, there are few in the league who can rival his contributions. A Pro Bowler in 2015 and '16 and a First Team All-Pro in the latter, Lee stormed back in 2019 by appearing in all 16 games for the very first time in his career. Guaranteed just $2 million in 2020, this is about as smart as money gets for Jerry and Stephen Jones.

As a respected leader who's spent a full decade in Dallas, the 33-year-old Lee will prove his worth at this price even if his on-field contributions are the humble kind -- but if he even comes close to the form he exemplified in 2016, the rest of the NFC East should brace itself. You have permission to smile, Cowboys fans.

(But if you're in the mood to celebrate with a hug, consider hugging yourself. At least for now.)