The Dallas Cowboys’ 2021 off-season was far more important for the future of the team than ever anticipated.
Every NFL fan was left scratching their heads after Randy Gregory’s five-year extension with Dallas fell through. He subsequently landed with the Denver Broncos. A never-before-seen roster move left Cowboys fans feeling empty and without a premier pass rusher. And then Cedrick Wilson also left.
Those two, combined with Amari Cooper’s departure, really hurt. But was the pain worth it in the end?
The departure of Gregory, Cooper and Wilson left holes in the roster that the front office had to fill. However, Dallas no longer had to deal with the contracts of two aging stars. As 2022 free agency arrived, Wilson and Gregory got paid. But it is a good thing it was not by Dallas.
Here is how the Cowboys’ 2021 off-season set them up to make lemonade from lemons.
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How the Cowboys’ 2021 Off-Season was an Underrated Success
Randy Gregory’s Decline
Gregory’s NFL story began on a rather rocky note. The former Nebraska Husker spent over a year in several different in-patient rehabilitation centers over the past six years. Gregory certainly did not have it easy, but he did not let this hinder him.
Gregory’s years with the Cowboys were up and down. One year he had six sacks, then three, then six again. He finished his career in Dallas with 18.5 sacks and one interception but was suspended for 14 games in 2016, the entire 2017 season, and six games in 2020. Not exactly reliable.
Mere hours after agreeing to terms with Dallas, the deal fell through the table. Gregory’s five year $70 million deal with Dallas was nearly identical to Denver’s offer. But the contract language caused him to slip through the cracks.
It has only been good news for Dallas since the departure of Gregory, however. Pass rusher Dorance Armstrong Jr. had a career year in Gregory’s absence. More than half of Armstrong’s career sacks came after he took over at the defensive end. Contrarily, Gregory had a very quiet year with Denver, and yet again ended up being suspended.
Safe to say, Dallas let Gregry go at the right time, and saved a bunch of money in the process.
Cedrick Wilson Versus Brandin Cooks
Wilson’s emergence was a sight to behold for Cowboys fans. Wilson took massive leaps after having a very quiet first two years. His final year with Dallas saw him catch 73.8% of passes thrown his way, hauling in six touchdowns. Wilson came in clutch many times throughout the season, putting his name on the map.
But business is business.
Wilson chose to sign with the Miami Dolphins on a three-year $22.8 million deal. He found himself on a Super Bowl-ready roster, but did not get many chances. Wilson only caught 12 balls for 136 yards and zero touchdowns in 2022.
Although he was in an offense with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Wilson thrived much more in Dallas. His steep decline from 2021 to 2022 proved that Dallas let him go at the right time.
Noah Brown filled in for Wilson as the third wide receiver. Brown is not a game breaker on any side of the ball, but he did haul in more passes than Michael Gallup and James Washington combined. Brown left in 2023 free agency for the Houston Texans.
Now, it is Brandin Cooks’ turn to prove himself. He is already lighting up the Cowboys’ off-season training camp.
Cooks has remained a very serviceable and speedy wide receiver since being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2014. Every team who has had a chance to throw to him appreciated his exceptional hands and afterburners. Look for Cooks to have a much better stat line than Wilson in 2023.
Dak to Brandin Cooks pic.twitter.com/7D4Pi3Vl9d
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 31, 2023
How Much was Saved?
Both of the free agents lost by Dallas underperformed, both for different reasons. However, the fact remains that the Cowboys saved a boatload of money in the process.
How much did Dallas save exactly? When the contracts of Wilson and Gregory are summed, Dallas saved a total of $92.8 million.
…And Where Did it Go?
Ever since the departure of both free agents, the Dallas front office appears to have righted the ship.
First, it was Stephon Gilmore. $7.96 million will go to Gilmore per year, which is quite the steal for a corner with a Defensive Player of the Year award to his name.
Next, it was Brandin Cooks. After some restructuring, Cooks will make $4 million annually. Again, this is an absolute bargain for such a high-caliber receiver.
Then, Trevon Diggs’ payday came. Diggs will earn earn $19.4 million over the course of five years. He remains on the team after a strong 2022.
Finally, Malik Hooker hit paydirt. Hooker will make $8 million over the next three years in Dallas. His well-earned payday locks down Dallas’ safety position even further.
These players have all cemented their legacy as impact players who can stay on the field. The same cannot be said for Gregory and Wilson.
The Cowboys’ 2021 off-season was painful to witness, but the wounds have healed. Dallas effectively turned two somewhat-proven players into four stars, as well as contracts for every rookie. It is safe to say that the Cowboys won the trade, and are looking forward to their new stars.
Malik Hooker gets overlooked because of the other monsters we have at safety. I love this, he’s a playmaker #DallasCowboys https://t.co/Ra8rUXho5o pic.twitter.com/fzNAvzfvHI
— Dallas Cowboys Pain (@cowboys_pain) August 4, 2023
Main Photo: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
