The Dallas Cowboys Struggle in Free Agency
It’s been a rough start to free agency for the Dallas Cowboys, who seem to be losing key players left and right. The 2023 NFC East champions have seen several of their star players depart for other teams, leaving fans wondering what the future holds for America’s Team.
Left tackle Tyron Smith is headed to the New York Jets, while center Tyler Biadasz and defensive end Dorance Armstrong have followed former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to the Washington Commanders. The team’s leading rusher, Tony Pollard, has also moved on to the Tennessee Titans. In addition, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch has been released and wide receiver Michael Gallup has departed as well.
Despite these losses, the Cowboys have made some moves of their own. They have signed linebacker Eric Kendricks and re-signed cornerback Jourdan Lewis, running back Rico Dowdle, and special-teamers C.J. Goodwin and Trent Sieg.
NFC East Rivals Make Moves
While the Cowboys have struggled in free agency, their NFC East rivals have been busy making moves to strengthen their teams. The Philadelphia Eagles have added running back Saquon Barkley, linebacker Devin White, defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and defensive end Bryce Huff. However, they have also seen the retirement of center Jason Kelce and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.
The New York Giants have traded for pass-rusher Brian Burns and bolstered their offensive line with Jon Runyan.
Conclusion
As free agency continues, the Dallas Cowboys will need to regroup and make strategic moves to fill the gaps left by departing players. The NFC East promises to be a competitive division next season, and the Cowboys will need to work hard to defend their title.
The Commanders Make Big Moves in Free Agency
The Washington Commanders have been making waves in free agency, adding key players to their roster in an effort to compete in the NFC East. The team has acquired former Cowboys offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor and quarterback Drew Lock to provide depth and competition at key positions.
But the Commanders didn’t stop there. They also signed running back Austin Ekeler, linebacker Bobby Wagner, linebacker Frankie Luvu, safety Jeremy Chinn, and guard Nick Allegretti, among others. These additions have certainly closed the gap on their division rivals, particularly the Dallas Cowboys.
It’s worth noting that the NFC East has not seen a repeat division winner since 2003-04, so the competition is always fierce. The Commanders’ aggressive approach in free agency shows their commitment to building a competitive team.
The Cowboys’ Conservative Approach
On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys have taken a more conservative approach to free agency. Despite having salary cap space, the Cowboys have chosen to focus on retaining their own players rather than making big splashes in the free-agent market.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones emphasized the team’s philosophy of valuing their own players and being cautious in free agency. This approach has served them well in the past, as they have been able to retain key players like cornerback Trevon Diggs and right tackle Terence Steele.
While the Cowboys may not be making headline-grabbing moves in free agency, they are confident in their ability to draft and develop talent. Vice president of player personnel Will McClay has a strong track record of drafting Pro Bowl-caliber players, which has been a key factor in the team’s success.
Conclusion
As the Commanders and Cowboys take different approaches to free agency, it will be interesting to see how their strategies play out in the upcoming season. The Commanders’ aggressive moves have bolstered their roster, while the Cowboys are relying on their draft and development process to build a competitive team. Only time will tell which approach proves to be more successful in the long run.
The Dallas Cowboys Look to Rookies for Impact in 2024
As the Dallas Cowboys head into the 2024 season, they are counting on their rookie draft picks to make a significant impact on the team. In 2023, many of the rookies did not see much playing time due to the talent already present on the roster. However, with key players like Armstrong and Gallup no longer with the team, the rookies will have a chance to step up and contribute.
Players like Asim Richards, Deuce Vaughn, Jalen Brooks, and Eric Scott Jr. did not get much playing time in their rookie year, but the Cowboys are hoping that they will be able to make a difference in the upcoming season. Second-round pick Sam Williams and third-round pick Jalen Tolbert will also be expected to play a significant role in the team’s success.
With a fan base that is eager for a Super Bowl win after a 28-year drought, the pressure is on for the Cowboys to perform. Owner Jerry Jones acknowledges the frustration among fans and is determined to bring success to the team.
Conclusion
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on the rookie draft picks to see if they can step up and fill the void left by departing players. With high expectations from fans and ownership, the pressure is on for the rookies to make an impact and help lead the team to success.
