The Dallas Cowboys were busy Tuesday afternoon. The team signed free agent running back Royce Freeman. The free agents will compete for a roster spot in the Cowboys' rebuilding backfield after losing Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Additionally, Dallas is following up on a trade from earlier this season. Dallas has terminated the terms of backup offensive lineman Chuma Edoga, who the Cowboys re-signed earlier this offseason.
Terms of contract with Cowboys T/G Chuuma Edga: 1 year contract, total amount of $1,292,500. This includes an annual salary of $1.125 million ($500,000 of which is fully guaranteed) and a signing bonus of $167,500. He counts his $1,152,500 against his 2024 cap under the Veterans Payroll Allowance designation. https://t.co/peO1fVZE53
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 16, 2024
Edga's 2024 price is affordable in many ways. The former third-round pick has experience at the tackle spot or offensive guard and has started 19 of his 43 career games, including six with the Cowboys last season. Edoga started last season in place of Tyron Smith, who also left the Cowboys in free agency. Edga's versatility makes him a wild card as the Cowboys embark on the difficult task of replacing Hall of Famer Smith.
There have been whispers that All-Pro guard Tyler Smith could be moved to left tackle, but that seems unlikely given how well he has adapted to left guard. Of all the potential candidates to fill Tyron Smith's hole, Edoga has an early edge at this stage of the offseason.
However, mock drafts show the Cowboys targeting an offensive tackle early in the draft, with the team taking the No. 24 pick in this month's draft. Edga's contract gives the Cowboys financial flexibility to do whatever they choose with Edga's roster status. The Cowboys' options along the offensive line are wide open days before the draft.
