It's hard to imagine Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy having any confidence heading into the final year of his contract after losing several key players in the offseason. Big names such as left tackle Tyron Smith, who was selected as an All-Pro multiple times, and running back Tony Pollard left for other teams in free agency. At the same time, inside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was also forced to retire.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys only added veteran inside linebacker Eric Kendricks in free agency. This season, the Cowboys don't seem to be “all in” on winning a Super Bowl, but instead appear to be preparing for a rebuild.
But that hasn't stopped McCarthy from professing his belief in his roster, even if it's on paper less talented than last season.
“I'm a big believer in the jump from Year 2 to Year 3. You know, we have some young players. We have some players coming back from IR that we're looking forward to.” We're definitely growing because we have young players like us.''McCarthy Said He said this in a recent ESPN interview with Adam Schefter. “We're just not in the free agent market at this time.”
March 26, 2024. Orlando, Florida, USA. Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media during the game.
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It's not uncommon for the Cowboys to be one of the least active teams in the first week of free agency. It is common for the Cowboys to negotiate free agency, signing veterans on cheap deals to temporarily fill holes while primarily focusing on re-signing their own free agents. do.
But that's the big difference this offseason in Dallas. The Cowboys lost several key contributors and it doesn't look like there will be any immediate replacements. But McCarthy said the Cowboys' plan is to step up some of their young players who are in their second or third year in the league.
Among the players Coach McCarthy is likely looking to add include defensive end Sam Williams and nose tackle Maji Smith after losing Dante Fowler, Dorrance Urmston and Jonathan Hankins. included. Meanwhile, on offense, the Cowboys will likely rely on Jalen Tolbert instead of Michael Gallup, but will likely use the draft for help at running back and left tackle.
However, even though McCarthy believed in the current roster, he did not rule out the possibility of the Cowboys turning him into a free agent later for reinforcements.
“And we still have a lot left,” McCarthy said. “There's probably going to be a market right before the draft or after the draft, and then there's going to be a June 1st market, and obviously there's going to be another draft class. So I have a lot of confidence in our roster.”
