Despite winning 12 games in each of the past three seasons, the Dallas Cowboys underachieved once again following another playoff loss. The Cowboys’ 48-32 Wild Card loss to the Green Bay Packers highlighted several weaknesses for owner and general manager Jerry Jones to address.
But like previous offseasons, the Cowboys are not expected to be significant bidders in free agency, as they have a few marquee players on their roster due for new contracts. Three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Dak Prescott has a $59.45 million cap hit, so extending his contract could free up space to sign others. CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons, two All-Pros, are eligible for contract extensions and figure to be among the highest paid at their respective positions.
Talent is inundated across the Cowboys roster, but it hasn’t translated to postseason success and only adds to the frustration of their large fanbase. The Cowboys haven’t reached the NFC Championship game since 1995 and need to make a few transactions to put themselves in title contention next season.
Here are the four moves the Cowboys should make this offseason.
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Draft an offensive lineman at No. 24
The Cowboys are at their best, even in the 1990s, when their offensive line dominated the trenches. Perennial All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith, the No. 9 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, has signed elsewhere. It’s still undecided who will replace Smith, but many expect 2022 first-round pick Tyler Smith to get the first audition as his replacement.
This offseason, center Tyler Biadasz signed with the Washington Commanders, leaving a gap in the middle of their five-man front. Biadasz was solid, but the Cowboys have struggled to secure that position since former All-Pro center Travis Frederick retired in 2020 following a battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Dallas has the No. 24 pick in this year’s draft and could have a difficult choice with many intriguing prospects. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has the Cowboys selecting Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims in his February mock draft. While other mocks have the Cowboys drafting Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton.
Drafting an offensive lineman could pay dividends in the present and future. By selecting a quality lineman, you could have a formidable front that could pummel opponents in the running game and give Prescott enough time to find his premier skill players.
Related: NFL mock draft 2024
Find a complement to CeeDee Lamb
When the Cowboys give a receiver the No. 88, the expectations are high, given the previous stars who’ve played for the franchise. Lamb, the No. 17 pick in 2020, is arguably a top-five wideout after posting a monster season. In 2023, the Oklahoma product recorded a league-leading 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns.
While Lamb’s numbers are a valued contribution, there wasn’t much production from the others. Second-year Pro Bowl tight end Jake Ferguson was a distant second in yards with 761. The closest receiver was 10-year veteran Brandin Cooks with 657 yards on 54 catches.
If the Cowboys want to make a Super Bowl run, finding a receiver to complement Lamb should be a priority, whether its via free agency or trade.
Rumors have circulated that Odell Beckham Jr. could be a viable option, but the former Rookie of the Year has yet to return to form after battling a myriad of injuries over the past three seasons.
The Cowboys, under Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay, have proven efficient in drafting instant contributors, so they could wait until then to address this position.
Related: See where Dak Prescott lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB Rankings
Draft a bellcow running back
Like I previously mentioned, the Cowboys are a force when their offensive line is one of the NFL’s best. When Dallas has a bellcow running back to power through gaping holes, it only increases the difficulty of defenses containing the pass and the run.
In 2014, DeMarco Murray set a franchise record with 1,845 rushing yards and created several passing lanes for former quarterback Tony Romo to exploit. That same year, wide receiver Dez Bryant led the league with 16 touchdowns.
Then in 2016, the Cowboys drafted Ohio State tailback Ezekiel Elliott when they had other glaring positions to address. As a rookie, Elliott led the NFL with 1,631 rushing yards. The Cowboys’ running game controlled the line of scrimmage and eventually wore down defenses over the course of four quarters.
Last season, the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard after the sudden release of Elliott. Pollard barely crossed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2023 after a career year just a year ago.
Many expected the Cowboys to be in the mix for free agent ball carriers Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, but America’s Team reportedly didn’t make an offer to the two who recently signed elsewhere.
This year’s draft has a collection of running backs who could be taken in the early and later rounds. I expect the Cowboys to draft a running back who may be have a prominent role in 2024.
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Sign or draft multiple linebackers
The Cowboys’ defense under former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was one of the league’s best in getting to the quarterback, ranking fourth over the last two seasons in sacks with 100.
But one of their biggest problems last season was stopping opponents from running the football, evidenced by their 16th ranking and their relinquishing of 112.4 yards per game. One of the reasons for their struggles is injuries and a lack of size at the linebacker position.
Teams pummeled the Cowboys on the ground, as offensive lineman were able to overpower defensive backs and safeties into large chunks of yards.
Rookie linebacker DeMarvion Overshown’s season ended in August after tearing his ACL in a preseason game. In a Week 5 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch suffered another neck injury that ultimately ended his fifth season in the NFL. According to rumors, Vander Esch is expected to retire soon after a history of serious spinal injuries.
Former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was hired as the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator in February and shoring up the run defense figures to be a point of emphasis this offseason. One of Zimmer’s first moves was signing linebacker Eric Kendricks, a former player of his during his tenure with the Vikings.
Although Kendricks’ signing is a good start, it doesn’t completely solve their problems. It’s paramount to draft multiple impact linebackers, as that could only strengthen a defense with star pass rusher Micah Parsons.
Offenses could be in a world of trouble if the Cowboys find a star on their second line of defense, as Parsons and ball hawking defensive backs Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are a load to deal with.
Related: NFL defense rankings
