Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images Imagine if the Cowboys signed a free agent from every NFC East team. There is no better feeling in the NFL than seeing your football team improve, while the others in your division take a step back during the off season. The Cowboys have been on the losing end of that stick for the last few years, but could things finally change in 2025? It was announced on Wednesday that the salary cap would see a large jump in 2025 from where it was in 2024, an increase even more than teams expected this offseason. With the added cap space and some likely big restructures (Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb), and a potential Micah Parsons extension coming, the Dallas Cowboys could have north of $80M to spend this offseason. The NFL today informed teams that the 2025 per-team salary cap will fall in the range of $277.5 million to $281.5 million, way up from last year’s $255.4 million. Cap will have increased by more than $53 million over the last two years. — Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) February 19, 2025 With that money, the Cowboys would have resources to fill roster holes that are littered throughout their team. As of today, the Cowboys need starting caliber players at wide receiver, running back, cornerback, defensive tackle, defensive end, and linebacker and could use upgrades along the offensive line, safety, and tight end positions. Today we will take a look at free agents from the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants and see what players they could realistically go after from their division rivals. Washington Commanders Jeremy Chinn, SAF Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $7.5m avg/yr Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images The Cowboys currently have their two starting safeties from the 2024 season returning in 2025, but with some recent slippage in play, safety is a position they could upgrade this offseason. Jeremy Chinn is a versatile safety that can do a lot of the interchanging Matt Eberflus likes in his safeties. Chinn, just 26 years old is young, relatively affordable, and is a quality player against the run and the pass on the backend. The Cowboys could save just over $5M in releasing safety Donovan Wilson and could use the savings to bring in Chinn, who has been a much better players recently. Philadelphia Eagles Milton Williams, iDL Projected Contract: 3 yrs — $21m avg/yr Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images This is where things get a little interesting. The Cowboys have a decision to make on their own player, Osa Odighizuwa, and they may be better off electing to move on from their former third-round selection and going with Milton Williams instead. Pro Football Focus projects Odighizuwa’s contract to be four years, $21.25m avg/year while Milton Williams projected contract is three years, $21m avg/year. Odighizuwa and Williams are very similar players at the 3-technique position with Williams receiving a 70.1 overall grade from PFF and Odighzuwa receiving a 68.1 overall grade. Both Odighzuwa and Williams are very good pass rushers, who can struggle a bit to defend the run, but with Williams being a bit younger, projected to be a bit cheaper, and proving to be a slight upgrade over the last few years, this is the splash the Cowboys could make to give them a slight edge over the reigning Super Bowl champions. Milton Williams went to high school at Crawley High School in Crawley, Texas and has some ties to the area, making his fit in Dallas one a bit more realistic than other destinations around the league. New York Giants Isaiah Simmons, LB Projected Contract: N/A Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images This is the type of player the Cowboys normally like to go after in free agency. The former eighth-overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft has had a disappointing career so far, but this low-risk, high-reward signing makes all the sense in the world for the Cowboys. Simmons will likely not be highly touted this offseason and Dallas has a big need at linebacker with Eric Kendricks a free agent and DeMarvion Overshown likely to miss most if not all of the 2025 season. The Cowboys love signing former first-round picks to one-year deals in free agency and seeing if they can get something out of them. Simmons will likely be cheap and will allow the Cowboys to fill a position of need heading into the draft.

Kara Durrette/Getty Images Cooper Kupp makes a lot of sense for the Cowboys. The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best wide receivers in the NFL when it comes to All-Pro CeeDee Lamb. While that’s a great luxury to have for quarterback Dak Prescott, the Cowboys don’t have much to feel positive about outside of Lamb. Yes, Jalen Tolbert had his best season, but it wasn’t enough to secure a WR2 spot. Jalen Brooks and Ryan Flournoy are still trying to find their way in the NFL, and veteran Brandin Cooks is a free agent. Dallas should certainly look to add some receiver help in April’s NFL draft, and ideally, it will be within the first few rounds. However, earlier this month, veteran Cooper Kupp was informed by the Los Angeles Rams that they would be seeking a trade immediately and will work with him to find his next destination. This is a situation that the Cowboys should get involved in. Kupp fits a lot of what the Cowboys look for when they acquire free agents. He’s an older player at 31 years of age, and Dallas tends to lean towards veterans who have put a few miles on the tires, so to speak. Also, Kupp has missed 18 games over the last three seasons. The Cowboys have a history of bringing guys that fit that mold as well, hoping to get a bargain in free agency or draft/trade at a lower value because of injuries. Another element that should entice the Cowboys to acquire Kupp is new wide receivers coach Junior Adams. He coached Kupp while he was at Eastern Washington and was an intricate part in getting him developed before the draft where he was taken in the third round by the Rams in 2017. This is the first NFL job for Adams, and getting a guy in the building who is familiar with what he does as a coach could make other guys comfortable with his style. Despite missing a full season worth of games over the last three years, Kupp has still been pretty productive. He’s hauled in 201 passes for 2,259 yards and 17 touchdowns over that span. Kupp missed five games twice and eight games in the other season, so he would have likely had three consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns had it not been for injuries. Being that he’s a little long in the tooth, pairing Kupp with a guy like Lamb will allow him to not have to be the top target, which could lead to a plethora of opportunities with the attention that the latter gets. Of course, Kupp’s contract will play a factor in any negotiations. The former Super Bowl MVP has a base salary of $12.5 million in 2025 and $14.85 million in 2026. However, with $7.5 million roster bonus ($5 million guaranteed) next season followed by another $5 million the next year, those totals go up to $20 million and $19.85 million. To add to that, the Cowboys don’t have a fourth-round pick this year, which is the exact position they were in at this time last year. So, that hurts them when it comes to a possible trade as well. They may have to do some finagling, but the Cowboys should certainly take a look at potentially bringing Kupp in. Plus, this move wouldn’t hinder the Cowboys from taking another receiver early in the draft, and they desperately need weapons on the outside.

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images Here is our scouting report on Walter Nolen from Ole Miss We continue our 2025 NFL Draft preview of draft prospects that could interest the Dallas Cowboys. Today we are looking at defensive tackle Walter Nolen from Ole Miss. Walter Nolen DTOle Miss RebelsJunior5-star recruit 6’3”305 lbs Photo by Andy Altenburger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images History Walter Nolen III was born on the 14th October 2003. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, he played high school football at several schools, including Olive Branch High School in Mississippi, Saint Benedict at Auburndale in Memphis, and Powell High School in Tennessee, where he had a standout senior year. At Powell, he recorded 93 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 27 quarterback hurries, and 17 sacks, leading his team to a Class 5A state championship. He was rated as the number two overall football recruit in the 2022 class and was a five-star prospect. Nolen started his college career at Texas A&M, where he played for two seasons, appearing in 22 games and starting 14. During his time there, he tallied 66 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and five sacks. In December 2023, he transferred to Ole Miss, where he became a key player in his junior year of 2024. At Ole Miss, he started all 13 games, leading the team with 14 tackles for loss and ranking third with seven sacks. His performance earned him consensus All-American honors and a spot as a finalist for the Outland Trophy, recognizing him as one of the nation’s top interior linemen. He achieved all this and only turned 21 last October. 2024 Statistics 551 Defensive Snaps48 Total Tackles14 Tackles For Loss30 Total Pressures7 Sacks3 Pass Breakups2 Fumble Recoveries 3 Penalties NFL Combine/Pro Day TBC Awards All-America (2024)First-Team All-SEC (2024) Scorecard Overall- 86.0Speed- 84Acceleration- 88Agility- 78Strength- 92Pass Rush- 90Run Defense- 82Tackling- 90Discipline- 95 THE GOOD Nolen is an elite athlete for his size and position. Has an impressive first-step quickness and burst off the line. His speed and agility allow him to shoot gaps and penetrate the backfield effectively, making him a disruptive presence against both the run and pass. He has heavy hands and a solid initial punch, enabling him to stun and drive back offensive linemen. His ability to handle double teams and maintain leverage is exceptional when he wins early engagements. Very versatile and has proven he can play multiple positions, such as a 3-technique or 4i-technique, and has shown the ability to play on the edge. He demonstrates a relentless motor, chasing plays from the backside and finishing with intensity on every play. TAPE TIME DT Walter NolenOle Miss ✅ THE GOOD✅#scouting #NFLDraft #Rebels pic.twitter.com/TdtcTkbPqC — Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) February 19, 2025 THE BAD Nolen can be inconsistent with his pad level, sometimes struggling to keep his pads down. Struggles to anchor or shed blocks. His pass-rushing moves need refinement, as he relies heavily on power and speed but lacks a diverse set of counters. While fine against the run, he can get washed out or struggle to disengage from blocks if he doesn’t win the initial engagement. He needs to improve gap discipline to become a more complete defender. Youth is his biggest weakness. As a young player, he’s still developing consistency and awareness. His tape shows flashes of brilliance but also moments of sloppiness, suggesting he’s not yet a polished prospect. TAPE TIME DT Walter NolenOle Miss ❌THE BAD❌#scouting #NFLDraft #Rebels pic.twitter.com/eh4oGqmq6i — Mike Poland (@kenfigkowboy) February 19, 2025 THE FIT Standing at 6’3” and weighing over 300 lbs, Nolen has the ideal build for an NFL defensive tackle. It’s not hard to envision his 40-yard dash time to come in around 4.90- 4.98 seconds, showcasing his speed and athleticism for his size. His combine testing will be huge to determine his value. Right now, before the combine, Nolen is viewed as a potential mid-to-late first-round pick, with some scouts ranking him as a top-10 talent, which is tough to project at this stage. He’s ideally suited as a one-gap penetrator in an aggressive defensive front, where his explosiveness and power can wreak havoc. With proper coaching, he has Pro Bowl potential and could develop into a dominant NFL interior lineman, drawing comparisons to players like Sheldon Richardson or even Aaron Donald due to his rare athleticism for his size. Nolen is a high-ceiling/low-floor prospect right now with elite physical tools and improving production, but his development will depend on refining his technique and consistency. His issues come down to counter moves, which he shows to have little of, and not being able to anchor efficiently. He could be a good fit for the Dallas Cowboys, especially given their defensive needs, but at pick 12 his selection maybe a tad too rich. Trading down in the first, however, and selecting him mid-round would be a massive win for the franchise in this draft. Nolen’s versatility as a defensive tackle makes him a strong candidate to play as a 3-technique or 4i and utilize his explosive first step and ability to penetrate gaps, something this Cowboys interior defensive line needs at the moment. Nolen’s ability to generate tackles for loss and sacks would address their need for a dominant presence in the middle. His youth and potential also make him a long-term investment to build around alongside established players. He’s has the size and strength to handle the physicality of the NFC East, where teams like the Eagles rely on strong offensive lines and running games. His relentless motor and competitive nature would fit well with the Cowboys’ high-energy defense. Off the field, his background as a highly-touted recruit and his success at both Texas A&M and Ole Miss suggest he’s adaptable and coachable, which is crucial for Dallas’s development-focused approach. He would immediately contribute as a rotational player with starter potential, providing pressure on quarterbacks and helping against the run. Over time, with the right coaching, he could become a cornerstone of their defense. His presence

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images It has been a very long time since Zack Martin was not a part of the Dallas Cowboys. It was reported on Thursday that longtime Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin is set to retire from the NFL after an incredible career that will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame someday. You cannot find a Cowboys fan who does not hold Martin in the highest regard and that is because he is among the greatest players in franchise history. Amazingly, 11 years have passed since the Cowboys famously selected Martin over Johnny Manziel in the middle of the 2014 NFL Draft. It is hard to really contextualize what those days were like to people who did not fully live them as the franchise was in a bit of a treacherous spot. You see, the Cowboys had just come off of their third regular season finale that was a de facto NFC East title game where the winner took the division and the loser missed out on the playoffs. Dallas lost this exact same game for three seasons in a row, amazingly, some would say cruelly, to each one of their three division rivals. You cannot write this stuff. Given the failures, there were enormous questions surrounding head coach Jason Garrett and quarterback Tony Romo. With Manziel available for selection and having a lot of Texas A&M fans who also rooted for the Cowboys wanting to see these worlds collide, that Dallas took Martin was as dramatic of a way in which you could see a franchise select an offensive lineman. Here is what the Cowboys looked like the last time Zack Martin was not on the team That is the context behind the times of when the Cowboys drafted Martin, but what about the specifics of that specific time in question? As noted, that 2013 season finale was the last game that the Cowboys played without Zack Martin as a part of their franchise. Obviously the next one will be the 2025 season opener. Here is what the Cowboys starting lineup looked like on December 29th, 2013 against Philadelphia. OFFENSE QB: Kyle Orton RB: DeMarco Murray WR: Miles Austin WR: Dez Bryant WR Terrance Williams TE: Jason Witten LT: Tyron Smith LG: Ronald Leary C: Travis Frederick RG: Mackenzy Bernadeau RT: Doug Free DEFENSE DE: George Selvie DT: Nick Hayden DT: Jason Hatcher DE: DeMarcus Ware LB: DeVonte Holloman LB: Bruce Carter CB: Brandon Carr CB: Morris Claiborne CB: Orlando Scandrick SS: Jeff Heath FS: Barry Church The defensive names are a much larger blast from the past than the offense, maybe that is because Martin played with so many of them in the years that would immediately follow. It should also be noted that this was the last game that DeMarcus Ware would ever play for the Cowboys as they moved on from him in the offseason where they drafted Martin. These were some dark days for the Cowboys and they were not made better by what Jerry Jones said in the immediate aftermath of the Philly loss. Bob Sturm reminded me that this happened a few months ago, but I had legitimately forgotten myself. Jerry Jones had an all-time Jerry Jones quote following this Eagles loss, one that would have gotten the Stephen Jones “drought” treatment if it happened in today’s day and age. From Tim McMahon at the time: Jones didn’t appear to appreciate being asked if he ever felt embarrassed in the wake of the Cowboys missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season and losing a win-or-go-home Week 17 game for the third straight year. “I don’t know,” Jones snapped. “Would you get embarrassed if you were standing in this stadium? Seriously.” After a moment of awkward silence, another reporter attempted to ask a question before being interrupted by Jones. “The answer is no. Not at all.” What does the beautiful $1.2 billion stadium have to do with the mediocre results the Cowboys have been getting on the field? The fact that Jones references the stadium when asked about the football product illustrates one of the major issues of having a marketing man serve as the franchise’s general manager. Jones is without question of the most successful businessman in NFL history. That shouldn’t justify the job he’s done as a general manager. Pretty sobering. And this was over a decade ago! Back to Martin though, that was a very long time ago. Consider that the building that Jerry Jones was bragging about had just wrapped up only its fifth season in hosting the Cowboys and was only a few months into the name AT&T Stadium after it had previously been called Cowboys Stadium. The Seattle Seahawks would go on to win the Super Bowl shortly after. Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray were still on their rookie contracts. Dak Prescott still had two more years in Starkville before being drafted. Current Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer was an offensive coordinator… for the St. Louis Rams. Yes, St. Louis. It has been forever since the Cowboys played a game without Zack Martin and they are going to have to figure out a way to do it later on this fall. Father Time is undefeated.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images The latest news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys is here. Micah Parsons wants new deal early this offseason, but talks with Cowboys haven’t started – Calvin Watkins, Dallas Morning News The waiting game continues on mega-deal for Micah Parsons. The Dallas Cowboys have not held contract talks with star pass rusher Micah Parsons about an extension, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Dallas Morning News. Parsons enters the final year of his five-year rookie contract scheduled to make $24.007 million. Team officials typically begin contract talks with player agents at the NFL scouting combine, which starts Monday in Indianapolis. Parsons, a four-time Pro Bowler who has twice been named to the All-Pro team, has 52.5 sacks in four seasons. He’s considered one of the top pass rushers in the NFL. This is the biggest contract decision the team will have to make this offseason. It’s also the second consecutive year where the team most likely will sign a player to one of the largest contracts in the league. Team officials have expressed strong interest in extending Parsons, with team owner Jerry Jones saying he might get a large contract extension. Parsons has repeatedly said he would like to get an extension sooner rather than later to avoid a possible holdout, something the Cowboys dealt with last summer with receiver CeeDee Lamb and the previous year with guard Zack Martin, who this week informed the club of his intention to retire. Both players received raises. Draft Ashton Jeanty? Emmitt Smith has other ideas on how to fix Cowboys’ offense – Ronald Harrod Jr., Dallas Morning News The Hall of Famer has some different ideas for the offense in Dallas. Smith was a tough running back. He played through multiple injuries during his career, including helping the Cowboys beat the New York Giants in the 1993 NFC Wild Card with a separated shoulder. That’s his vision for Dallas: a tough team that can run the ball and stop the run. Smith said he’s willing to hear out newly hired head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s philosophy. “Even if I don’t like the change or I don’t like the hire, I think the change itself was necessary,” Smith said. “Maybe it’s the hire that I may have a challenge with. However, like any player that’s drafted, you got to be given a chance and an opportunity. “So if Schottenheimer is clear about what he wants to do and how he wants to lead this team and usher this team from where we are today to back to prominence and dominance, I want to hear the vision.” Smith wants the Cowboys to shore up their defensive and offensive lines, but he has another idea about a weapon that could improve the Cowboys offense: Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is under contract until 2026 after signing a three-year, $90 million deal ahead of the 2024 season. “Maybe we need to go after Tyreek Hill, someone that can go down the field and give CeeDee Lamb a chance to work underneath,” Smith said. “And develop a stronger tight end situation. I think the one we got right now is pretty good.” ‘Physical, violent ‘ mantra for O-line, running backs take center stage for Cowboys – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com Dallas wants to win in the trenches under this new regime. “We’re going to do a great job of marrying our runs and our passes and make those look the same,” said Schottenheimer. “I’m proud to say at two different times in my career as a coordinator, we led the league in rushing, and they go hand in hand. The running game and the action pass game go hand in hand.” With the staff now finalized, make no mistake about it, that path is set in stone. […] “We’re going to be a team that’s going to run the football and be able to utilize that as a strength for us,” said Ken Dorsey. “And then utilize our guys and be able to adjust our system based [on] our guys’ strengths.” That is the passing game coordinator uttering those words — as focused on creating a physical, punch-you-in-the-face offense as anyone else in the building. And it’s not simply a message that stops to the right of Schottenheimer, as Klayton Adams, a highly touted Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line coach turned Cowboys’ offensive coordinator explained. It goes without saying that Adams, alongside heralded former Kansas State coordinator and offensive line coach Conor Riley, are being brought in to install and instill a savagery into Dallas’ O-line that invokes fear in the opposition. “The same thing that I want from every player on offense, and that is to create violence in the game, be aggressive, run and hit,” said Adams of his offensive line edict. “I think every decision that we make schematically needs to lean that direction. And if there’s a gray area, what is going to keep us going is to allow these guys to play more freely, and run and hit and be violent?” 5 NFL free agents Dallas Cowboys could sign to replace Zack Martin – Randy Gurzi, Sports Illustrated The Cowboys have some good options to replace Zack Martin. Mekhi Becton When Dallas released Tyron Smith in 2024, Mekhi Becton’s name was thrown around as a potential replacement. A first-round pick in 2020, he never lived up to expectations with the New York Jets but a change of scenery seemed to be needed. Instead of going to Dallas, Becton signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, who moved him inside to guard. That was a major success for the player and franchise as Becton started 15 games and PFF ranked him 20th in the league at his new position. Now a free agent, Dallas is being named a fit once again for the 363-pounder. We’ll see if they show interest this time around. Will Fries An underrated option for Dallas this offseason is Will Fries, who was off to

Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images 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.

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images The latest news from around the division. Insider report on offseason plans is exactly what Commanders fans want to hear – Dean Jones, RiggosRag.com The expected salary cap increase will only help Washington’s cause. Excitement couldn’t be higher for the Washington Commanders entering the offseason. They are coming off an incredible campaign where they reached the NFC Championship game against all odds. Adam Peters is well-positioned to build on this newfound positivity in the coming months. The Commanders have the third-most available salary-cap space currently. This increased after the league confirmed another huge hike, which is only going to help Peters’ cause. Washington has seven selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. They are also an attractive destination after restoring their reputation. Peters isn’t going to be reckless. There’s a need for aggressiveness and calculated risks if the right opportunities present themselves. However, the general manager has a long-term plan in place and won’t jeopardize this with rash decision-making. Fans are eagerly anticipating what comes next with free agency on the immediate horizon. One respected insider provided some clues about what the Commanders could prioritize when the recruitment period commences. […] “Adam Peters and Dan Quinn had to kind of piece it together as best they could. Did an admirable job, but I expect reinforcements. Yes, I know Washington fans desperately want that number-two receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. I do think they’ll address that in some form, but they could allocate more resources to their offensive line and their pass rush if they lose Dante Fowler in free agency. Also, they have a ton of good players who just played out one-year deals that they could bring back. Bobby Wagner played great. Zach Ertz was a really good target for Jayden Daniels. Safety Jeremy Chinn, you’ll see some of those pieces back most likely.” New York Giants free agency primer: 5 defensive linemen to consider – Nick Falato, BigBlueView.com Sure, New York’s offense needs a ton of work, but their defense needs some help too. The New York Giants need help on their defensive line. Dexter Lawrence is one of the top players at his position, but the Giants failed to surround him with a solid complement and depth in 2024. New York traded Leonard Williams to the Seahawks, and A’Shawn Robinson signed with the Carolina Panthers, leaving Rakeem Nunez-Roches as the only proven player — other than Lawrence — in Andre Patterson’s defensive line room. The room is full of late-day three picks and undrafted free agents: Elijah Chatman, Elijah Garcia, Jordon Riley, D.J. Davidson, Cory Durden, and Armon Watts, who suffered a devastating knee injury at the end of the season. Perhaps the lack of proven depth behind Lawrence is a testament to Patterson’s coaching ability for depth in other areas of the roster was necessary; still, it was clear that the defensive line was an issue heading into the 2024 season. The 2025 defensive line class is deep. GM Joe Schoen and the Giants will likely make investments into the position through the draft, but a veteran free agent also makes sense. Here are five names to consider. […] Milton Williams, PHI Williams blew up the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine, and Howie Roseman selected him at pick 73 in the third round: Williams played more than 400 snaps in each of his first four seasons. He wasn’t a starter but a core rotational player with penetration skills and a relentless nature. His pressure numbers through his first three seasons were 19 in 2021, 16 in 2022, and 25 in 2023. He then went OFF for 54 pressures in 2024, with the highest pass-rushing grade in Pro Football Focus. He finished in the top 10 in pressures in 2024 with the fourth-highest PRP (A formula that combines sacks, hits, and hurries relative to how many times they rush the passer) and the sixth-best pass-rush win rate. He struck while the iron was hot and is now a free agent at 25 years old. Eagles’ Cam Jurgens undergoes back procedure, expected to return in time for camp – Nick Shook, NFL.com Philadelphia’s starting center undergoes back operation, expected back for training camp. Cam Jurgens’ journey to a triumph in Super Bowl LIX didn’t come without challenge. The center played through nerve pain and recently underwent a back procedure to alleviate the issue, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported on Thursday. Jurgens is expected to fully recover from the operation in time for training camp in July, per Garafolo. ESPN first reported the news. Jurgens was unable to play in the first half of the Eagles’ NFC Championship Game victory over the Commanders, but when teammate Landon Dickerson suffered an injury that limited his basic mobility, the center found the strength to fight through his own discomfort and replace Dickerson in the lineup in the second half of Philadelphia’s romp over Washington. Given two weeks to recuperate, Jurgens made the start at center in Super Bowl LIX, playing 91 percent of offensive snaps in the Eagles’ runaway win over the Kansas City Chiefs. A second-round pick out of Nebraska, Jurgens saw his first significant action at guard in 2023, making 11 starts alongside longtime center Jason Kelce, who advised the Eagles to target Jurgens in the 2022 draft. When Kelce retired after the 2023 season, it was officially time for Jurgens to take over at center, making 16 regular-season starts in 2024 and earning a 16th-place grade among all centers, per Pro Football Focus.