FRISCO, TEXAS — With the 2023 season ending abruptly, the Dallas Cowboys are currently considering the offseason, with 14 players from last year's team set to become free agents, including key pieces from all three phases of the team. .
The 16 players scheduled to enter the free agent market, which opens on March 13th, are as follows: All are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.
Tyron Smith (13 seasons in DAL) With the offseason in full swing, the impending free agency of starting left tackle Tyron Smith will be one of the players to keep an eye on going forward. His great play on the field in 2023 was certainly a plus up front, but the blame comes on off the field. Is Smith's health and availability reliable enough to bring him back? If so, for how long and in what quantity? These will be questions that will have to be answered before any further decisions are made about the future Hall of Famer.
Tony Pollard (5 seasons with DAL) The Cowboys decided to use the franchise tag on Tony Pollard last season, and Pollard was tagged with a contract worth $10.09 million. The front office will now have to make new decisions about what to do with its starting running back. They can either try to put him back on the franchise tag for another season or sign him to a short-term deal. That is if they choose to bring him back. In 2023, Pollard rushed for 1,005 yards and six touchdowns, but his career-low 4.0 yards per carry.
Stephon Gilmore (1 season in DAL) The Stephon Gilmore trade gave Dallas a veteran cornerback for one season, but the mid-season departure of Trevon Diggs in Week 3 proved his value even higher. It was done. Gilmore has spent the past four seasons with four different teams and could be looking for a little stability late in his career. But while the Cowboys will have Diggs back next season along with first-team All-Pro Daron Brand, the odd man left out looking at three All-Pro boundary corners with only two slots on the field. The question remains as to who it is.
Jordan Lewis (7 seasons in DAL) The same questions that were asked about Gilmore could be asked about Jordan Lewis, who is looking to potentially be the odd man in a loaded cornerback room in 2024. As a slot nickel, Lewis could return with Diggs and Brand on the perimeter, but it's hard to imagine both Gilmore and Lewis on the team next season.
Dorrance Armstrong (6 seasons in DAL) The Dallas Cowboys' No. 2 sack getter is set to hit the free agent market in 2023 with Dorance Armstrong looking to land a big contract this offseason after a strong year on the field. As a pass rusher who has shown consistency and reliability over the past two seasons, Armstrong could be in line for a payday. In 2023, Armstrong recorded 7.5 sacks and 38 tackles.
Jaylon Kearse (3 seasons in DAL) An eventful 2023 season will be interesting with Jaylon Kearse's free agency heading into the offseason, especially considering the front office signed Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker to contract extensions before the season. Dew. With some interesting safety options in the first two rounds of the draft, could the Cowboys consider acquiring Kearse's replacement for less? Or will they bring him back to provide reliability in 2024? Another potential factor in his free agency would be the possible departure of Dan Quinn.
Dante Fowler Jr. (2 seasons in DAL) Speaking of Dan Quinn, Dante Fowler Jr. is set to become a free agent this offseason after two years in Dallas, including a stint with Quinn. Fowler primarily served as a rotational piece in the pass-rush unit last season and had just four sacks, his lowest total since 2020.
Noah Igbinoghene (1 season in DAL) Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene is set to become a free agent after being traded just days before the start of the season. Igbinoghene only saw his explosive action late in games and on defense early in the season, and his special teams work was minimal throughout the year. He became a frequently inactive player in the second half of the season.
Jonathan Hankins (2 seasons in DAL) The Cowboys looked to add more depth to their defensive interior when they selected Madge Smith in the first round of last April's draft, but after a rookie year that fell short of expectations, the Cowboys were left with no choice at the defensive tackle position. Ensuring reliability was one of the big offseason priorities. Bringing back veteran Jonathan Hankins might provide some short-term relief, but could the team look for more long-term help instead? That question will likely be the biggest factor in deciding which jersey Hankins will wear next season.
Trent Sieg (1 season in DAL) One of the league's most consistent long snappers will be a free agent starting in 2024, as Trent Sieg will hit the market after one season with special teams coordinator John Fassel's unit. After building strong relationships with punter Brian Unger and kicker Brandon Aubrey in 2023, it's hard to imagine them heading elsewhere next season.
Chuuma Eduga (1 season in DAL) It's hard to find consistent offensive line depth in the NFL, but Chuma Edoga provided it in early 2023, but he struggled mightily against Miami on Christmas Eve, ending what had been a successful start to his career in Dallas. 's season was ruined. The Cowboys are expected to attack offensive line options in the draft, but could also bring back Edga to compete for a spot in training camp.
Neville Gallimore (4 seasons in DAL) Defensive tackle Neville Gallimore's rookie contract is expiring, and although he has remained mostly healthy through four seasons and was able to play when needed, the lack of success in the defensive interior given Gallimore's future in Dallas. is taken into account.
Rico Doodle (4 seasons with DAL) Another expiring rookie contract includes running back Rico Doodle, who replaced Tony Pollard in 2023 and totaled 505 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns. His health was the biggest concern before last season — he had just seven career touches through 2023 — but if the Cowboys can bring him back to compete for a spot next season.
Tyler Biadasch (4 seasons in DAL) With Tyler Biadasz's contract expiring on March 13th and some interesting center options up front in the draft, the starting center for the Dallas Cowboys next season could be a complete gamble. Additionally, a handful of free agent names could also be available. But if you look at Biadasz's contributions on paper, he's a Pro Bowler in 2022 and has started all but two games over the past three seasons.
Sean McKeown (4 seasons in DAL) The tight end room saw a lot of movement in 2023, directly impacting Sean McKeon and Peyton Hendershot. After starting the year on the practice squad, McKeon sat out after Hendershott's injury, but had to go on IR when Hendershott was healthy, effectively ending the season. McKeon's rookie contract is expiring, and the Cowboys will need to decide what kind of fit McKeon will have going forward as the oldest tight end in the youngest position room.
CJ Goodwin (6 seasons at DAL) A special teams leader for the past six seasons, he became a free agent after suffering a late-season pectoral injury that caused him to miss the final 12 games of the regular season. Goodwin will be 34 next season and is recovering from a major injury, so any contract he signs will likely be short-term. But if such a reliable player proves year after year, it might be worth bringing back Goodwin.
