There are still free agents who the Cowboys could look to add before the NFL Draft.
Things have been quiet on the Cowboys front the last few weeks. Despite talks of exchanged contractual figures between the Dallas Cowboys and Micah Parsons, nothing materialized into a contract, and it appears that both sides are focusing on the next stage of the offseason.
The Cowboys’ front office is full steam ahead toward the NFL draft. Commendably, the Cowboys have been busier in the offseason than in past years, as you can never have enough help. However, as usual, the Cowboys didn’t break the bank on any premier free agents and opted to fill their roster with mostly depth pieces as they prepare for the draft that is just under two weeks away. If the Cowboys decided to do some last-minute shopping before the draft to fill their roster and give themselves more freedom with their draft picks, here are five free agents to consider.
Keenan Allen
Throughout his NFL career, Keenan Allen has been one of the game’s best route runners, with a craftiness to shake defenders in tight spaces to gain separation. Even though he doesn’t have elite speed which limits his vertical threat, his ability to get open is a coveted characteristic. His skills would blend beautifully with the type of wide receiver that would fit in nicely with quarterback Dak Prescott. Allen would also play well off of CeeDee Lamb and allow Lamb to move to different alignments on the field.
Allen is a reliable third-down receiver who makes plays when you need him to. However, he has struggled to stay on the field because of injuries recently. Yet, that can be advantageous to the Cowboys. His cost should be much lower because of his advanced age, and adding Allen would allow Dallas to bring in a draft pick wherever they like without Allen being a progress stopper.
Asante Samuel Jr.
Cowboys fans would remember Samuel as a pre-draft favorite leading up to the draft in 2021. The Cowboys had the opportunity to draft Samuel with the 44th pick that year but instead opted for Kelvin Joseph, who the team traded to the Miami Dolphins after two seasons. As for Samuels, he fared slightly better with the Los Angeles Chargers. Samuels has six career interceptions over his first four seasons in the NFL, including his first interception against the Dallas Cowboys.
Since the departure of Jourdan Lewis in free agency, the Cowboys need to get a slot cornerback. Samuel fits the role perfectly. His quickness and instincts to play the ball on underneath routes are ideal for the Cowboys. There are concerns about his injury history, which is why his market has been cool. Yet, last year was the only season he missed extensive time. If both parties are willing to commit to a one-year contract, it will benefit Samuel to rebuild his market for next season and give the Cowboys an adequate slot cornerback with the flexibility to draft one later in the draft.
Joseph Noteboom
Noteboom, a native of Texas who played high school football in Plano and an alum of TCU, has the experience to give the Dallas offensive line much-needed depth. Noteboom has played in 71 NFL games, starting 35 of them. He was also a member of the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl championship team in 2022. Noteboom has experience playing left guard and left tackle. Think of the Chuma Edoga signing from a few years ago but much more experience. Should something happen to Tyler Guyton or Tyler Smith, Noteboom can step in and play at either spot.
Cody Whitehair
Cody Whitehair is a player familiar with the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus, who has coached Whitehair for two seasons. Whitehair has played 136 career games and has started 121 of them. The former Pro Bowler is certainly in his twilight years as an NFL player. Whitehair will come with great value if he wants to join the Cowboys to reunite with Eberflus. Whitehair has terrific versatility and has played center and guard. If Whitehair intends to come to a more stable situation than he was in Chicago and Las Vegas last year, Dallas would be a good landing spot.
Jonathan Hankins
Yes, Hankins would be a retread. However, Dallas needs to shore up the run defense, and it starts with having a nose tackle to plug the run. It’s been a problem for the Cowboys for years of needing big bodies inside, so a reunion with Hankins shouldn’t sound farfetched. As quick as Osa Odighizuwa is, he needs someone next to him to occupy blockers and give him favorable matchups. Mazi Smith, thus far, hasn’t fit the bill in that department, leaving a substantial need the team has to address. The linebackers could also use a space-eater to keep the linemen from getting to the second level and keep them clean. Dallas could also add a defensive tackle prospect in the draft, but Hankins would be good insurance.
