The NFL divisional round playoffs begin this weekend, but the Dallas Cowboys are already focused on building a team for 2024.
As the second seed in the conference, losing in the wild card round is one of the worst ways to lose, and leaves many questions for the team.
At this point, some of these questions have already been answered.
We know Mike McCarthy is returning for his fifth season as head coach, and I think it's fair to assume Dak Prescott isn't going anywhere either.
Other than that, the status of the Dallas Cowboys is up in the air on two major fronts.
Will Dan Quinn stay or go?
After the news that Mike McCarthy is officially returning for a fifth season, the next biggest question for the coaching staff is DC Dan Quinn's status.
Quinn has been the Cowboys' defensive coordinator since 2021, when McCarthy fired Mike Nolan after the Cowboys' defense's worst season in history.
He brings stability, explosiveness and a talent for winning the ball.
The Cowboys led the league in turnover differential for the third straight season, a franchise record.
Quinn's defense has produced stars at not just one but two cornerbacks over the past few seasons.
Trevon Diggs led the league in interceptions in 2022 and was selected as a first-team All-Pro for his performance.
The 2023 season was a breakout season for Daron Brand.
Brand was close to leading the league in interceptions and set an NFL record by returning five of them for touchdowns.
I also have to mention that Micah Parsons has developed into one of, if not the best defensive players in the league.
If Quinn is offered a head coaching job elsewhere, he will look to Joe Witt Jr. as a likely candidate to replace him.
Which free agents should you keep?
Dallas will have to make difficult decisions this offseason regarding 16 players who will become unrestricted free agents.
Here is the complete list:
Of course, some of these decisions may not be all that difficult, but in the case of a big-name player, the Cowboys will have to decide whether to offer him a new contract or not.
The top names I would like to see back on the team are Tyron Smith, Stephon Gilmore, and Tyler Biadasz.
I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the remaining 13 players on the list won't be in a Cowboys uniform next season.
Taillon showed he can play at an All-Pro level at the left tackle position if the Cowboys limit his practice time.
I would like to spend another year with that body maintenance plan.
I would also like to see Stephon Gilmore return. That way we can see what the season will be like with Gilmore and Diggs on the border and Brand in the slot.
Tyler Biadasz showed great growth from this past season, and maintaining that familiarity means good for Dak Prescott.
