Here are three free agents that would make sense for the Dallas Cowboys to become free agents this offseason. The Cowboys enter the offseason with some concerns and questions to answer as they deal with an early playoff exit. The Cowboys recently hired new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to replace Dan Quinn, but are preparing for the free agent market. It's a potentially fascinating offseason for Dallas, who is expected to be “all in” to rebuild the team.
However, the Cowboys have decided to keep Mike McCarthy for at least another year, so he may not return next year if he doesn't improve. The stakes are higher and with the right moves, it could be a promising season in the fall. The Cowboys could move in that direction even if they lose Quinn and Joe Whitt to the Commanders. They were aggressive last offseason, making several trades to break into the league.
Stephon Gilmore, Brandin Cooks, and Trey Lance are all trade moves Dallas made to make roster changes. This time around, it will be more difficult for Dallas to be aggressive again with their current cap space. The Cowboys are currently $14.3 million over the cap, with Tyron Smith, Tony Pollard and Gilmore being the most expensive players. While Gilmore will be on the market, the Cowboys will need to find a reliable lockdown corner.
There were reports that the two-time Super Bowl champion could arrive in Dallas. But more help is needed to replace the Dallas Cowboys' free agents who hit the market next month.
3 free agents that make sense for the Dallas Cowboys
Rajarius Sneed
It is highly unlikely that Dallas will consider moving Snead. That sounds like a dream scenario and would be a great addition, but the Cowboys don't have the cap space to match it. Snead is expected to receive a huge salary even if he doesn't return to the Chiefs next season. However, his ties to the Cowboys have been rumored, and the Cowboys could offer him a short-term one-year contract to replace Gilmore.
However, Gilmore has stated that the Dallas Cowboys are his preferred destination and that he wants to finish what he started. In addition to Gilmore, Jordan Lewis and Jaylon Kearse will be on the market, so the Cowboys could take a hit in the secondary if they can't find reliable veterans to replace them. Dallas will likely find a replacement with a first-round pick, but they may have to deal with the secondary issue of free agency. Snead is an option, but Dallas could sign him to a one-year deal until he finds another contract with a new team in 2025.
Given Kearse and Lewis are long-term players and their high prices, they are not expected to return to Dallas.
derrick henry
Tony Pollard is expected to hit the market next month and could easily be placed on the franchise tag. But if they don't tender him, they might look for a new running back. A veteran like Henry could make sense, as he expects to sign elsewhere. His size and agility could be the solution to the Cowboys' red zone problems. Henry still has a lot of gas left despite his age, but Dallas could draft a running back just in case.
daniel hunter
The Minnesota Vikings would like to have Hunter back, but it's unlikely that will happen. Hunter also sounds like a dream scenario for the Cowboys, but imagine him complementing the other defensive stars on the roster. That way, Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence will get even stronger in their games to advance to the long-awaited Super Bowl. However, there is strong market interest in Hunter, so it will be difficult for the Cowboys to make an offer.
That makes sense, but many of these moves sound like dreams because of the cap space.
