It's that time of year again. Free agency is just around the corner. Of course, the Dallas Cowboys aren't doing business as usual, so he won't be a big player in the early going. But they've made moves by signing their own agents, similar to Leighton Vander Esch, Donovan Wilson and Jaylon Kearse in recent years.
The Cowboys have 16 in-house free agents with decisions to make. As with every season, there are some tough cuts along the way. But Dallas should strongly consider bringing some of them back, and here are three that should be at the top of your list.
stephon gilmore
When the Cowboys traded for Gilmore a year ago, everyone was shocked. It paid off, as the former Defensive Player of the Year recorded a career-high 68 tackles, had a success rate of 54.9 percent, the lowest per Pro Football Focus since 2019, and had two interceptions last season. was recorded. I mean, he's still playing at a high level.
Considering Trevon Diggs and his injury situation, Gilmore should be brought back as well. He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that typically takes more than a year to return to, although it will be a year after his injury before the next season begins. Gilmore in addition to Diggs and budding superstar Daron Brand to maintain some depth at the cornerback position, especially since Jourdan Lewis is a free agent and could likely go elsewhere. Bringing him back would be beneficial for Dallas.
Dorrance Armstrong
Armstrong signed a two-year contract two years ago and played well in the process. Armstrong, who had 8.5 sacks and 40 pressures in 2022, was productive again last season with 7.5 sacks and 34 pressures. His pass rush and defense grades were both 70.1 in 2023, according to PFF, career highs in both categories. Armstrong is underrated when it comes to establishing an edge against the run, and his special teams contributions shouldn't be discounted.
Outside of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, Armstrong is the only player with a consistent track record that gives the Cowboys an advantage. Dallas will probably have to pay a few bucks to keep him, but it makes sense when it comes to his play. But he's a very solid defender and a glue guy, and those things don't grow on trees.
Tyrone Smith
The conversation surrounding Smith has been the same for more than five years. Some want him to leave because of his absence, while others want him to stay because he plays so well when he's healthy. The latter would have won in this scenario, especially after recording 13 games in 2023, the most since 2019 and about the same amount as the two years before that. He also played in the Pro Bowl last season.
Dallas still needs to consider adding a future left tackle in April's NFL Draft. There's no doubt about that. If they were smart, they would keep Smith and use him as the starter for the time being and develop their young players. If injury symptoms occur again, a young player will need to step up, but it makes sense to keep Smith around in case that experiment fails.
