Despite Jerry Jones’ earlier pledge to go “all-in” for the 2024 campaign, the Dallas Cowboys have effectively missed the first several days of NFL free agency.
Undoubtedly, the Cowboys addressed a need when they acquired veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, who served as a sort of on-field mentor to assist colleagues in acclimating to new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s scheme. However, Dallas lost a vital component of the offensive line in front of quarterback Dak Prescott and lost out on even the most affordable veteran free agent running back.
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Jerry Jones and the Cowboys faced an apparent challenge when they had to deal with one of the worst salary cap situations in NFL history, but it’s hard to think Dallas has improved since the league season started on March 13.
After five official days of NFL free agency, CBS Sports grades the Cowboys’ haul thus far with a “D.”
According to Garrett Podell of CBS, “The Dallas Cowboys were the only team in the entire NFL not to sign anybody on Monday.” But on Tuesday, they signed long snapper Trent Sieg again, and they finally got involved. That directly contradicts the all-in statements made by general manager and owner Jerry Jones at the conclusion of the 2023 campaign.
“The Cowboys needed to extend the contracts of 2023 Second-Team All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott and 2023 First-Team All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in order to spread their cap hits over multiple seasons and have the cap space to be players in free agency.” This lack of action suggests that the Cowboys front staff is okay with not having a lot of options when free agency first opens.
“This casual attitude only harms the team and makes it difficult for them to make important trades like re-signing eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith, five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and a running back to replace Pollard. A major addition, Kendricks solves the Cowboys’ ILB shortage, and it’s only fitting that he picked Dallas over the 49ers.
Smith finally reached an agreement with the New York Jets, leaving the Cowboys without stability in one of the most important positions on the team.
How the Salary Cap Affected Cowboys’ Decisions—or Not Made Any
Jones and the Cowboys have the least amount of spending flexibility of any NFL team.
The Cowboys’ cap space after the first week of free agency is a league-low $4.06 million. The fact that Dallas will only have the 13th-most cap space in 2025—roughly $87.1 million—exacerbates these worries even more.
Although renegotiating Prescott’s contract could free up salary room for the rest of the offseason, it has been astonishing how slowly the Cowboys have moved to resolve their differences with the franchise quarterback in order to have a chance to compete with some of the best free agents out there right now.
Tyron Smith about joining the New York Jets
Tyler Smith appears to be the favourite to take over as the Cowboys’ left tackle after Tyron Smith left.
Smith couldn’t contain his delight after moving to Jersey’s marshes and assigning the offensive line the job of keeping Aaron Rodgers upright.
Smith said, “I think it’s going to be amazing,” to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. “It goes without saying that, as Dallas’s player, I am aware of his abilities—he has twice kicked our ass in the playoffs. To be honest, I’m just thrilled about the chance.
Tyler Smith, who according to Pro Football Focus allowed just one sack in 942 snaps last season, will now have to keep Prescott upright.
