The Dallas Cowboys once again finished the regular season with a record of 12 wins and 5 losses, but unfortunately they were unable to advance to the wild card round and were once again eliminated early from the playoffs.By most views, 2023 should be considered a successful season for the Cowboys, but the continued lack of postseason success casts a cloud over the entire organization.
The 2024 offseason will be critical for the Cowboys, not only to get back to the playoffs, but to ultimately find a way to be the last team standing. Changes to Dallas' coaching staff have already begun, with Dan Quinn set to join the division rival Washington Commanders as their next head coach, but what other changes will be made are still to be determined. do not have.
If Jerry Jones is to be believed, the Cowboys will be “all in” this offseason. No one knows what that means, but for now we're going to take his word for it. I know there are some players they would like to extend/re-sign, but maybe going “all in” means they will be more aggressive in free agency. Maybe there is. If so, this offseason could be interesting.
With all of this in mind, we've put together a “how-to” offseason guide for the Dallas Cowboys for free agency, the 2024 NFL Draft, and ultimately building their roster for next season. . Let's start by determining some of the pending free agents who should definitely be re-signed and some of the veterans who should be released.
Renew 3 contracts and release 3 contracts
Photo by Cooper Neal/Getty Images
Players to re-sign
Tyron Smith has proven that he will still be one of the best left tackles in the league in 2023. Unless he plans on retiring, Dallas would be wise to re-sign him. They won't find a better replacement at LT through free agency or the draft, allowing Tyler Smith to remain at LG.
PFF Contract Projection: 1 year, $10 million.
Re-signing Stephon Gilmore would be easy if the offer isn't too high. He was a godsend for the Cowboys last season when Trevon Diggs went down with a season-ending injury. The cornerback trio of Gilmore, Diggs, and Brand would give Dallas a formidable secondary.
PFF Contract Projection: 1 year, $10 million.
Trent Sieg, an underrated re-signed player, played a key role as the Cowboys' special teams long snapper in 2023. His consistency allowed Brandon Aubrey and Brian Unger to play like one of the best players at their respective positions last season.
Players who let go
Sadly, Michael Gallup is no longer the player he once was and has become a progression stopper for the young WRs behind him on the depth chart. Designating him for cut after June 1 would save the Cowboys $9.5 million.
Cooper Rush had a good run as the Cowboys' second quarterback behind Dak Prescott, but unfortunately those days are over for him. The Trey Lance trade made him expendable, and Dallas could save $2.2 million by cutting him this offseason.
Leighton Vander Esch's recent injury could end his career. But even if he didn't, he can no longer rely on maintaining his health. If he doesn't retire, the Cowboys could save $2.1 million by releasing him.
free agent movements
Photo credit: David Urit/Getty Images
Jerry Jones said the Cowboys are “all in” this offseason, and signing Chris Jones could be the only move to make those words a reality. This could be similar to what Dallas did when they brought in Charles Haley in the early '90s. He is considered the “final piece” that helped push them to Super Bowl contenders, and Chris Jones could have a similar impact. He will take Dallas' defense from good to great.
PFF Contract Projection: 4 years, $120 million ($80 million guaranteed)
Antonio Gibson is borderline returning to the NFL and starting running, and bears an uncanny resemblance to the Cowboys' Tony Pollard. He's just as explosive as Pollard as both a runner and a receiver, but a little bigger at 6'2″ and 220 pounds. He could give them similar results at a fraction of the price. .Draft and add a rookie RB for Dallas.The running game needs to be just as good, if not better.
Spotrac Contract Projection: 1 year, $3.6 million.
Bobby Wagner is a timeless wonder. The 33-year-old isn't the player he once was and may have lost a bit of a step, but he's still one of the best middle linebackers in the entire league. He will bring much-needed leadership and experience to the Cowboys' defense and help develop their young LB core. His addition to the roster will be invaluable both on and off the field.
PFF contract projection: 1 year, $4 million
2024 Mock Draft After Offseason Transition (PFF Simulator)
Photo by Brian Lin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Cowboys send 1.24 to Ravens, get 1.30 and 3.93
- Round 1, Pick 30 – IOL Graham Burton, Duke (6'5″, 314)
Graham Burton has five-position flex but will be a plug-and-play opening day starter in place of Tyler Biadasz at the Cowboys' OC. Re-signing Tyron Smith and adding Barton would return Dallas' starting five to one of the best in the league.
- Round 2, Pick 56 – DT T'Vondre Sweat, Texas (6'4″, 362)
T'Vondre Sweat is a dancing bear. Weighing over 360 pounds, the DT plays with incredible strength and power, but what makes him unique is his athleticism, which is rare for a player his size. He would upgrade Dallas' defensive line rotation.
- Round 3, Pick 88 – RB Jalen Wright, Tennessee (5'10″, 210)
Jalen Wright is one of the more complete and explosive running backs in the entire 2024 draft class. He's a three-down back who can bring it home whenever he touches the ball. Pairing him with Antonio Gibson would give Dallas an explosive running back duo.
- Round 3, Pick 93 (from Baltimore) – WR Malachi Coley, Western Kentucky (5'11″, 215)
Malachi Coley is a RB-to-WR convert, and it shows on film. Although he is still immature from a technical standpoint, he is one of the best yards after catch (YAC) WRs in the draft class. He has Deebo Samuel-like traits and will make Dallas' offense more explosive.
- Round 5 (Conor McGovern Comp Pick) – OT Brandon Coleman; TCU (6'4″, 316)
Brandon Coleman is an interesting developing OL candidate with experience coming in at both LT and LG. He has the mental makeup and skillset to play either position at the next level. Dallas loves that kind of diversity in OL prospects.
- Round 6 (Dalton Schultz Comp Pick) – LB Darius Muasau, UCLA (6'1″, 230)
Even with DeMarvion Overshawn returning from a season-ending knee injury and signing Bobby Wagner, Dallas could use more depth at the lineback position. Darius Muasau is an interesting player with the potential to be a starter. Taking him to the 6th round would be a steal.
- Round 7, Pick 234 – S Mark Perry, TCU (6'0″, 215)
Mark Perry is a versatile safety prospect who can play in the slot or in deep coverage. He shows good eye and instincts in coverage and is a solid tackler. The Cowboys already met with him at the Senior Bowl, so we know there's some interest there.
- Round 7, Pick 245 – EDGE Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian (6'3″, 250)
Jayrix Hunt is an interesting developmental EDGE prospect for the Cowboys. He has the size, athleticism, and length to develop into a starter. He would provide much-needed depth at DE with Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler likely to leave in free agency.
read more
