Here are three free agents that could make sense for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason entering free agency. The Cowboys enter the offseason with some unease and questions to answer to address their early playoff exit. While they recently hired new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to replace Dan Quinn, the Cowboys are shaping up for the free agent market. It sets a potentially fascinating offseason for Dallas who are expected to go “all in” to rebuild their team.
However, the Cowboys decided to keep Mike McCarthy for one more year at least, so he may not return next year if there are no improvements. It sets the stakes higher and could be a promising season in the fall if the right moves are made. The Cowboys could be heading in that direction regardless if they lost Quinn and Joe Whitt to the Commanders. Last offseason, they were aggressive with some trades to splash the league.
Stephon Gilmore, Brandin Cooks and Trey Lance are all the trade moves that Dallas made to change their roster. This time it’ll be more difficult for Dallas to go aggressive again with their current cap space. The Cowboys are currently sitting at $14.3 million over the cap and Tyron Smith, Tony Pollard and Gilmore are cropping up the most. While Gilmore is set to hit the market, the Cowboys would need to find a reliant lockdown corner.
There have been reports linked that a two-time Super Bowl Champion could arrive in Dallas. However, there is still more help needed to replace the Dallas Cowboys free agents hitting the market next month.
Three Free Agents That Could Make Sense for Dallas Cowboys
L’Jarius Sneed
It’s highly unlikely that Sneed will be a considered move for Dallas. It sounds like a dream scenario and would be a great addition, but the Cowboys don’t have the cap space for it. Sneed is expected to receive a huge payday even if he doesn’t return next season for the Chiefs. However, rumors are linking him to the Cowboys and they could offer him a quick one-year deal to replace Gilmore.
However, Gilmore says that the Dallas Cowboys are his preferred destination and wants to finish what he started. Joining Gilmore in the market are Jourdan Lewis and Jayron Kearse so the Cowboys could take a hit at secondary if they can’t find a reliable veteran to replace them. Dallas will likely find a replacement with their first-round pick, but they may need to address the secondary issue in free agency. Sneed is an option but Dallas could bring him on a one-year deal until he finds a different contract with a new team in 2025.
Given that Kearse and Lewis are long-term players and their price tag would be high, they’re not expected back in Dallas.
Derrick Henry
Tony Pollard is expected to hit the market next month, but he could easily be franchise-tagged. However, if they don’t opt to tender him then they could be looking for a new running back. A veteran like Henry could make sense since he’s expecting to sign elsewhere. His size and agility could be the solution to answer the Cowboys’ red zone issues. Henry still has a lot of gas left regardless of his age, but Dallas may draft a running back in case.
Danielle Hunter
As much as the Minnesota Vikings want Hunter to return, it would be unlikely for that to happen. Hunter to the Cowboys sounds like another dream scenario, but imagine him complementing other defensive stars on the roster. It would make Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence stronger in their game to reach their long-awaited Super Bowl. However, Hunter has a strong market interest so it’ll be difficult for the Cowboys to make an offer.
It makes sense but many moves like this sound like a dream due to their cap space.
