The NFL's franchise tag window has ended and the free agent negotiation period begins next.
A number of high-profile players will hit the market in 2024, including defensive tackle Chris Jones and offensive tackle Tyron Smith. The two-day league negotiation period officially begins on Monday.
What does this mean for the Dallas Cowboys? Here's what you need to know heading into free agency in 2024.
Key dates and times for free agency
At 11 a.m. Monday, clubs can begin meeting with certified agents who will soon be unrestricted free agents. Some call this the legal tampering period. However, players cannot sign contracts until the 2024 league year begins Wednesday at 3 p.m.
Will the Cowboys be big spenders in 2024?
Don't expect it.
Despite the salary cap jump in 2024, the Cowboys are not expected to spend much during this free agency period. According to Michael Gerken, dallas morning news, team spending may be affected by past examples of converting salaries into signing bonuses. This created space at one point, but it also pushed dead money into the future.
On Friday, the Cowboys restructured the contract of right guard Zach Martin, saving the club $13 million in cap space heading into the 2024 league year. More importantly, the move eliminates some concerns about the 2025 cap.
Dallas also has contract extensions in mind for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons.
Don't be too surprised if names like Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley land elsewhere. The Cowboys have historically benefited from acquiring cheap free agents. We may need that again this year.
Does Dallas need a new left tackle?
It seems so.
Tyron Smith's agent met with Cowboys officials during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. While there was an interest in mutual benefit; news He reported that there was a huge financial gap separating Smith from the club.
The veteran tackle may have played his final season in Dallas. However, the possibility of a resolution has not been ruled out. The strength of Smith's market could ultimately determine whether he returns.
Choice against Michael Gallup
The Cowboys receiver is slated to be the team's fourth-highest paid player in 2024. On March 17, $4 million of his $8.5 million annual salary will become fully guaranteed.
Dallas has a decision to make on the high-profile receiver.
While in Indianapolis, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones refrained from revealing any information regarding Gallup's future. Jones said club officials need to speak with Gallup before taking any action.
If Gallup is released, his job is expected to be cut after June 1. That means the Cowboys will carry a $13.85 million cap number in 2024 as if he were still on the roster. Come June, the Cowboys will have added $9.5 million to their 2024 cap room, while Gallup will count $8.7 million against the 2025 cap.
Will Tony Pollard be able to return?
The running back will be testing the market this year, but could express interest in returning to Dallas.
news The former fourth-round pick reportedly is willing to return even if the contract from another team is slightly higher than the Cowboys' offer.
After dealing with an increased workload, Pollard finished the 2023 season with 1,005 rushing yards. He also set career highs in snaps (836), receptions (55) and broken tackles (19).
He entered that campaign under the franchise tag and was paid $10.09 million. Pollard will join the names of Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley as the top running backs on the market.
A look at the Cowboys' unrestricted free agents
LT Tyrone Smith
RB Tony Pollard
CB Stephon Gilmore
C Tyler Biadasch
SS Jaylon Kearse
DT Jonathan Hankins
CB Jordan Lewis
DE Dorrance Armstrong
DE Dante Fowler Jr.
CB Noah Igbinoghene
DB CJ Goodwin
LS Trent Sieg
OT Chuuma Edga
DT Neville Gallimore
RB Rico Doodle
TE Sean McKeown
Reporting from staff writers Michael Gehlken and Calvin Watkins was used in this story.
Read more Cowboys coverage from the Dallas Morning News here.
