Our latest Cowboys roundtable hits on remaining free agent targets
Every week, we gather the latest news about the Dallas Cowboys and seek our writer’s perspective on each headline. Welcome back to the roundtable. This week we have Jess Haynie, David Howman, Tom Ryle and Brian Martin.
How would you describe this year’s free agency period from Dallas?
Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys have been very uncharacteristically busy during the first wave of free agency. They made additions that include running backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, defensive linemen Solomon Thomas, Payton Turner and Dante Fowler, offensive guard Robert Jones, linebackers Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray Jr, and cornerback Kaiir Elam. What makes the Cowboys free agency period even more noteworthy is the fact it includes two trades, something Cowboys fans haven’t seen in quite some time. All this points to a front office that wants to prove they made a smart choice hiring Brian Schottenheimer.
Brian: Surprisingly active, yet still disappointing. I’m not sure anyone the Cowboys signed or traded for upgraded the roster any. Their draft needs are still pretty much the same entering the 2025 NFL Draft, meaning they will be relying heavily on upgrading their roster with rookies once again.
Tom: I thought Stephen Jones was uttering a non sequitur when he talked about being selectively aggressive, but it makes sense now. Unfortunately it turned out to mean going after the same third or marginal second-tier players to plug holes they always get, just not waiting to see what landed at the bottom of the barrel. It’s progress, I suppose, but not nearly enough.
Jess: I think the term Stephen should’ve used was “actively passive.” Yes, the Cowboys have added 10 new players in a week and re-signed 11 others. That’s far more activity than we saw at this point last year. But as Brian and Tom already said, outside of Osa Odighizuwa’s new contract, the moves are all still steeped in financial conservatism and not making the team more competitive. Dallas is clearly still focused on the draft as the primary source of new talent.
Howman: I would describe it as best case scenario. Anyone who legitimately thought the Cowboys were going to suddenly try and cosplay as Howie Roseman and spend a ton of money in the first wave of free agency was always dreaming. The Cowboys didn’t have a ton of holes on this roster, but they went to work in finding appropriately priced options to fill those holes. I think it’s been a good offseason so far, and can’t comprehend the continued dissatisfaction among others. Are we mad they didn’t give $45 million for a perpetually injured Cooper Kupp, or match the $42 million for a DeMarcus Lawrence who was chomping at the bit to trash the organization the moment he was no longer on the payroll? I like the moves and I think the front office deserves some appreciation for what they’ve done this offseason.
What are the biggest needs on the roster after the free agent moves?
There are still glaring holes on the roster and the free agent moves definitely help in terms of filling some of those holes in preparation for the draft. Offensive line is an obvious place that needs stocking up in the draft, as well as cornerback, wide receiver, and even running back despite the two new additions in free agency. A big run-stopping nose tackle is a need as well as safety.
Brian: I’m going to go with CB closely followed by DT. The Cowboys not only need to replace Jourdan Lewis in the slot, but there is still a significant concern about Trevon Diggs’ timetable to return. I still think they need another CB or two either in free agency or the draft to help solidify the position, even after trading for Kaiir Elam.
Tom: I think CB, WR, and EDGE. If they address those on days 1 and 2, I think they can improve the roster.
Jess: After re-signing Odighizuwa and adding Thomas, Fowler, and Turner to the defensive line, receiver became the top need. Corner isn’t far behind, but at least there’s hope with young guys like Carson and Elam plus the chance of getting Diggs and Butler back during the season. But even if everyone’s healthy at WR, you’re still missing a true starter. Trusting Jalen Tolbert to step up is a risk that could kill the entire offense if he disappoints.
Howman: I agree with Jess on it being receiver, but I held that opinion before free agency too. Parris Campbell and Jalen Tolbert can be productive guys in this league, but the Cowboys need a legitimate second option when CeeDee Lamb is getting doubled. There’s no such option in free agency (though I’d still happily welcome Tyler Lockett to Dallas) so that has to come via the draft, ideally with Tetairoa McMillan or Luther Burden.
Cooper Rush signs with Baltimore and Trey Lance doesn’t look like he’s coming back to Dallas. Who on Day 3 in the draft do you think fits well as the new backup quarterback?
With both Cooper Rush and Trey Lance on the move, Will Grier in as the backup quarterback for Dallas. This puts the position up for grabs in the draft and there are some interesting late-round prospects the Cowboys scouting department will now be digging deep on. How early in the draft they look to address the position will all depend how much value they see in this year’s class. Keep close watch on those 30-visits and who they watch on Dallas Day.
Brian: I’m not a big fan of the 2025 QB draft class as a whole and definitely not a fan of wasting a draft pick on one, even a late-rounder. For the sake of argument though Quinn Ewers or Tyler Shough are two QBs I think the Cowboys would be interested in. Both have starting potential, but both also carry injury concerns.
Tom: It looks like the plan, or at least the hope is to make Will Grier QB2. With the position likely to be overdrafted again this year, I just want them to use a day three pick to pick up a QB they think has some developmental upside. But it wouldn’t crush me if they wait until the seventh, or even go UDFA.
Jess: Of guys that I think will be there in the fifth round, Kyle McCord strikes me as having a good mix of positive traits. I like that he improved after moving from Ohio State to Syracuse, showing the ability to respond to new surroundings and an arguably inferior supporting cast. Sounds like a guy who’s coachable and adaptable, which speaks to his developmental potential. But I’m also with my colleagues that in what’s considered a weak class overall, I’m not upset if Dallas ignores the QBs this year.
Howman: It sounds like Will Grier is the new backup, which I’m very happy with. I don’t think anyone from this draft class, save for the top three guys, are capable of being a serviceable backup as a rookie. But if I’m looking for a guy with upside and traits, I like Max Brosmer out of Minnesota and Will Rogers out of Washington.
