Their time in Dallas may be coming to an end.
Who will stay and who will leave?
The Dallas Cowboys will have to answer that question as soon as free agency begins in March. Their own internal free agents are usually not externally big players in that part of the process, so they end up spending most of their time wheeling and responding during the first wave of free agency.
When it comes to the Cowboys retaining internal free agents, players like Tyron Smith, Stephon Gilmore, and Dorrance Armstrong should be a priority. But there's no doubt some guys won't be back, and here are three guys the Cowboys could move on to.
Jaylon Kearse
When Kearse came to the Cowboys in 2021, he was more than just a depth signing. He played a key role on defense in a hybrid safety/linebacker role and was also responsible for manning the green dot for former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. This means he receives calls directly.
In 2023, his play declined and he was no longer the eraser tight end he once was. The Cowboys also have Mark's Bell, who can play perfectly in the box or in coverage despite playing linebacker last season. With Juane Thomas and Israel Mukuamu also on the roster, the Cowboys have young, inexpensive options.
Chuuma Edga
Edga was brought in to give the Cowboys flexibility because he had experience at guard and tackle. He showed some juice plays at left tackle here and there, but his overall performance, especially against the Miami Dolphins, was nothing to brag about.
The Cowboys could easily find depth in the draft or free agency to match what Edga brings. They may already have Asim Richards, the Cowboys' 2023 fifth-round pick, on the roster, who showed some promise in the preseason.
Noah Igbinoghene
The former 2020 first-round pick made headlines by returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown in the Cowboys' season opener against the New York Giants, but that was it. Depth is key at cornerback, especially for Dallas with Trevon Diggs returning from a torn ACL, Nashon Wright and Eric Scott.
Dallas needs to focus on bringing back Stephon Gilmore and possibly retaining Jourdan Lewis during free agency, plus drafting another cornerback at some point. Igbinoghene didn't play a large enough role to warrant a return.
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