The 2022 season has just ended, and as of March 13, the 2023 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes the opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the off-season. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agents to extend? Which rookies to watch? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the Dallas Cowboys.
After 7 seasons in the NFL, we now know what to expect with Dak Prescott: he is a high quality quarterback, who however needs to be (very) surrounded to succeed. Bringing him help will really be the objective of the leaders during this off-season. At least the objective is clear, even if it remains difficult to achieve.
The owners
1. Dak Prescott (QB)
2. CeeDee Lamb (WR)
3. Micah Parsons (LB/Edge)
In Dallas, the innkeepers are clearly identified. On offense, the Dak Prescott – CeeDee Lamb duo will be the heart of this squad. The quarterback, injured during the first half of the 2022 season, had finished the year well. His level of play is still inconsistent, but he remains one of the best pitchers in the league. CeeDee Lamb is also part of the gratin in his position. He clearly has the qualities of a number 1 receiver, but by his own admission, he feels a little lonely.
In attack, there will be many uncertainties beyond this duo (see below). They may force them to raise their level of play a little more. One thing is certain, Brian Schottenheimer, the new offensive coordinator, has two solid players to rely on.
On the other side of the ball, a man symbolizes this defense: Micah Parsons. In a short time, he established himself as the best player in this squad and one of the most successful defenders in the league. As proof, he was voted to the All-Pro first team in his first two NFL seasons. Versatile and physical, he is the figurehead of Dan Quinn’s system. The two men arrived at the same time in Dallas and were the main reasons for this change of face for the Texas squad.
Undesirables
1. Jourdan Lewis (BC)
2. Ezekiel Elliott (RB)
3. Tyron Smith (OT)
The most likely/logical cut is on defense in Dallas. Jourdan Lewis, injured at the start of the 2022 season, is no longer really in Mike McCarthy’s plans. His level is not up to his salary and cutting it would release almost 5 million dollars in the salary cap. Not sure, therefore, that we see it with the Dallas jersey in 2023. For the other two, the decision will probably be difficult for the Cowboys. Sportingly, Ezekiel Elliott is now far from his early career level. With only 3.8 yards per carry, he has clearly passed behind Tony Pollard in the hierarchy.
Cutting it after June 1 would save the Cowboys more than $10 million. Not sure, however, that the leaders (and the supporters) are ready to part with a player who has been the symbol of the franchise in recent years. Maybe the right compromise would be to agree on a pay cut. For Tyron Smith, the situation is somewhat similar. As for Tyler Smith, he has proven his quality as left tackle and Tyron is no longer essential. Especially since he has only played 17 games in the last three seasons. While it’s never easy to part ways with an All-Pro who’s been with the franchise for over a decade, the financial lure is such (13.6 million in savings) that Smith could leave Texas.
The summer man
Michael Gallup (WR)
During the offseason, CeeDee Lamb didn’t mince words when asked about the offensive squad. The receiver wants offensive support for him and Dak Prescott. This help may come from resignatures or recruitments (see below). However, the cheapest solution comes directly from within and it has a name: Michael Gallup. The receiver is supposed to be the number two option. At his best, he is typically the kind of player who can provide additional threat.
The problem is that he still hasn’t returned to his best level since his serious injury. With a full new training camp and even more preparation, the Cowboys are hoping to reunite with the Gallup who was the perfect match for Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb. This season, Kellen Moore will no longer be there, Brian Schottenheimer has taken his place, but it will be Mike McCarty who will call the offensive plays. He already knows that he will need a very good Michael Gallup if this attack is to be successful.
The main free agents
1. Tony Pollard (RB)
2. Dalton Schultz (TE)
3. Leighton Vander Esch (LB)
4. Donovan Wilson (S)
5. Cooper Rush (QB)
Others : Connor McGovern (OG), Anthony Brown (CB), Terence Steele (OT), Noah Brown (WR), Jason Peters (LT), Anthony Barr (LB), Jonathan Hankins (DL)…
Rank them in any order, Tony Pollard and Dalton Schultz are definitely the most important free agents for the Cowboys this offseason. These two men carried, with CeeDee Lamb, a large part of the weight of the attack in 2022. Despite $7 million over the cap, the leaders would be well advised to find a solution to retain them. Last year, they used the tag on Dalton Schultz. To reproduce the operation would cost this time a little more than 13 million dollars (against 10 on Tony Pollard).
On the other side of the field, Leighton Vander Esch stayed last year for just $2 million. After its good season, the price is likely to rise now. Just like that of Donovan Wilson who has played more than 1,000 snaps this season and who is one of the pillars of Dan Quinn’s defense. Two players that it will be difficult to replace in the middle of the field. For the rest, nothing alarming in Texas. Note all the same, the free agency of Cooper Rush, who is perhaps the best substitute quarterback in the league and who always acts very correctly when Dak Prescott is injured.
Top 5 Needs
1. Receivers
2. Cornerbacks
3. defensive line
4. Tight end
5.Safety
The absolute urgency for Dallas is at receiver. Dak Prescott needs more quality targets and any help will be appreciated. Apart from this need, the workforce has no obvious shortcomings. However, it needs to be tweaked to improve the depth in particular. In defense for example, the line as well as the back defensive field need a bit of renewal. Dan Quinn is capable of improving his players, but he needs opportunities for that. Between some players who will have to pass a level this season and others who must arrive, the squad could evolve during this offseason.
Target
Odell Beckham Jr. (WR)
OBJ, Jerry Jones, America’s Team…the cast couldn’t be more exciting. It’s no longer a secret, rumors of a potential signing of Odell Beckahm Jr. in Dallas are more and more present. Sportingly, this choice would make sense. The Cowboys desperately need CeeDee Lamb’s help in the aerial game. In Texas, OBJ would not need to be the number 1 receiver, but rather the second or even third option.
In this scheme, he can still bring a lot as we saw with the Rams in 2021. He still has to be 100% recovered from his serious injury suffered during the Super Bowl. Perhaps that’s why the former Giant isn’t officially a Dallas player yet. If it’s not him, the choice may in any case be limited for the leaders of Dallas who should not find many credible options for this position, whether in the draft or in free agency.
The new blood
Drew Sanders (LB, Arkansas)
In recent seasons, the Cowboys have drafted quite well in this part of the field. Given the departures, resignatures and cuts, Dallas may need depth on the linebacker position. With the 26th pick in the first round, they could set their sights on Drew Sanders. The Arkansas defender offers a versatility that should please Dan Quinn.
Sometimes in the middle of the field, sometimes in pass-rusher, Sanders is an athletic and productive player. A duet with Micah Parsons could thrill any NFL offense.
Alternative : Trenton Simpson (LB, Clemson), Jalin Hyatt (WR, Tennessee), Quentin Johnston (WR, TCU), Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas)…
