There are some low-cost free agents who the Cowboys should keep an eye on.
On Wednesday, it was announced that the NFL salary cap would increase from $255.4M to somewhere between $277.5 and $281.5 million. That’s a significant jump that shows how much the game grew financially. Usually, that would spark interest amongst most NFL fans and excitement with free agency fast approaching. However, the Dallas Cowboys don’t operate like everyone else. They won’t chase the top-of-the-market free agents. That’s how they’ve conducted business for the better part of the last decade.
However, there is value should a few free agents hit the market that would fall nicely in an affordable price point for the Cowboys. With free agency less than a month away, now would be a good time to look at some free agents the Cowboys should have their eyes on.
Elijah Mitchell
Running back is a big need for the Cowboys this offseason. Although Rico Dowdle performed well, he’s set for unrestricted free agency and may seek a bigger contract elsewhere. Dallas is linked to running back prospects in the draft, but it would be wise to supplement their position depth early rather than picking running backs out of desperation. Elijah Mitchell would be a solid addition for the Cowboys, allowing them veteran experience and not preventing them from spending draft capital on a running back.
Mitchell is a 1-cut runner with good speed in the open field and enough physicality to finish runs inside the red zone. Injuries have been a factor in his career, as he missed all of 2024, but that’s precisely why he should come at a very low cost. In his rookie season, Mitchell ran for 963 yards on 267 carries and has averaged 4.7 yards per carry for his career, proving that he is an efficient runner. Adding Mitchell means that he has to be part of an ensemble at running back, and that’s a role he’s already comfortable with.
Javonte Williams
Another running back on this list. Williams is a talented runner who has a lot to offer when healthy. However, his health and intermittent inconsistency led to Williams falling out of favor with Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Williams lost carries to Seth McLaughlin and rookie Auric Estime last season, and the Broncos are going in a different direction regarding running back.
Yet, when healthy and at his best, Williams is an elusive runner that shakes defenders out of would-be tackles. At 5’10”, 210 pounds, Williams has a sturdy frame to take on volume carries. Williams had 31 broken tackles on just over 200 attempts as a rookie. That number has since dwindled, but after another year of recovery and getting fully healthy, he could recover that magic with the Cowboys. Williams has workhorse potential and is still 24 years old. Like Mitchell, his injuries lower his cost, and that’s exactly what the frugal Cowboys are looking for.
Jameis Winston
By adding Jameis Winston, Dallas can upgrade their backup quarterback position. The Trey Lance experiment didn’t work mainly because trading a fourth-round draft pick for a quarterback third on the depth chart had little chance to offer a return on the investment. Then, when he did play, he didn’t provide anything to inspire hope in his performance. Cooper Rush has had his moments, but his physical limitations taper down the offense’s potential when he plays. With Winston, you have to take the good with the bad, but at least with him, you know he’s going to drive the ball downfield and look to make explosive plays, even if they sometimes favor the other team.
The good news is the Dallas offense looks to focus more on running the football; therefore, Winston’s passing chances will be limited, and they will look to mirror the passing game to make action more effective for Dallas. If Dak Prescott misses time, at least you have somebody with the upside to score points. Last season, Winston had three games with over 300 yards passing, including a game where he had 497 yards passing against Denver. Dallas can do better at backup quarterback than Cooper Rush and Trey Lance. Winston would be that upgrade.
Will Hernandez
The Cowboys should be very familiar with Will Hernandez. Before being drafted by the New York Giants in 2018, Hernandez met with Dallas, and some felt he would be another productive offensive lineman for the Cowboys. Since then, Hernandez spent the last two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, starting 22 games. New Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams has worked closely alongside Hernandez the previous two seasons, and a reunion with the Cowboys makes a lot of sense.
In speaking with the media this month, Hernandez gave effusive praise for his former offensive line coach, and the feeling could be mutual if Dallas looks into adding Hernandez. Hernandez is coming off a modest deal and shouldn’t cost the Cowboys much for an interior offensive lineman with his type of experience. With Zack Martin retiring, this becomes a more urgent need.
Calais Campbell
It doesn’t matter how old Calais Campbell is; he still holds great value as more than just an individual contributor. However, he did have a relatively good year. Last year, he had five sacks and played in all 17 games. Campbell can provide a presence as a mentor to the younger players on defense. The Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner is a veteran leader with great character on and off the field.
Imagine his presence next to Mazi Smith as he enters a defining season for his career and how he could tutor his development. Having someone around like Campbell would suit the Cowboys in several aspects. Once again, Campbell’s contract should be cheap, but it might take more to uproot him out of Miami, where he played college football and last season for the Dolphins.
