The 2023 season has just ended, and on March 14, the 2023 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes this opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the offseason. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agents to extend? Which recruits to observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the Dallas Cowboys. You will find the files for each team on this page.
The years follow and repeat for the Dallas Cowboys. As for three seasons, the Cowboys dominated the regular season, arrived in the playoffs with high hopes and failed to assume their status. Once again in danger, Mike McCarthy was confirmed as head of this team by Jerry Jones. However, we can say that the coach is firing his last cartridge here.
The Cowboys remain in a favorable situation with many quality players and a solid squad. They will still have to manage a high payroll while seeking to improve the workforce. One thing is certain, this season once again, all eyes will be on the“America’s Team”. But they are used to that.
The captains
1. CeeDee Lamb (WR)
2. Micah Parsons (Edge)
3. Zack Martin/Tyler Smith (OG)
One thing is certain, there is no shortage of talent in this squad. Just look at the 5 players who were first team All-Pro this season (CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Smith, Zack Martin, DaRon Bland and Brandon Aubrey). Symbols of a team that has strong leaders at (almost) all levels.
On offense first with maybe one of the three or four best receivers in the league. CeeDee Lamb actually finished just behind Tyreek Hill this season from a statistical point of view (1749 yards gained and 12 TDs recorded). The former Oklahoma player validated his superstar status in this league. And if Dak Prescott could very well have been part of this list of captains, it is CeeDee Lamb who is the figurehead of the skill players with the Cowboys.
Still on this side of the ball, the Texas franchise certainly has the best pair of guards in the NFL. Whether on the right with Zack Martin or on the left with Tyler Smith, the Cowboys have two impressive anchor points in front of their quarterback.
In defense, one man stands out: Micah Parsons. The pass rusher hasn't been All-Pro this season, but he remains one of the most dangerous players in the field. In 2023, he further improved his personal record in sacks (14), allowing him to total 40.5 units in just 3 seasons spent in the league.
Around him, the defensive squad is not left out in terms of impact players. The Cowboys should, for example, find Trevon Diggs, back from injury. The cornerback will form a quality pair with DaRon Bland.
Finally, it is difficult to put a kicker as a captain in a team, but the fact remains that Brandon Aubrey is an essential addition to this squad. The rookie has only missed 5 kicks in 90 attempts this season, posting an incredible 10/10 from 50+ yards.
The undesirables
– Michael Gallup (WR)
– Leighton Vander Esch (LB)
– Bryan Anger (P)
Michael Gallup seems like the perfect candidate for a cut. The receiver has never really returned to his level since his injuries and releasing him could save management a lot of money. By designating it as a cut occurring after June 1, the Cowboys would recover 9.5 million in payroll. Not negligible when we know the management of cape is going to be crucial during this offseason.
Behind it, there aren't really any names guaranteed to be cut. A few players could still be pushed out if the financial situation requires it. Leighton Vander Esch for example is a name that comes up often. The linebacker has missed 12 games again this season. And despite his leadership position in the locker room, the Cowboys could decide to no longer take any risks with the defender.
On the special teams side, Dallas made a superb move by drafting Brandon Aubrey as kicker. The managers might also want to look for a young punter to save money on this position. Cutting Vander Esch and Anger would save the Dallas Cowboys nearly $6 million.
The summer man
Mike Zimmer (Defensive Coordinator)
Formerly adversaries, Mike Zimmer and Mike McCarthy will now be under the same flag this season. The two coaches who fought for the NFC North during their respective stints at the head of the Vikings and the Packers will now work together.
During the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys saw their defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, leave Texas to become a head coach in Chicago. McCarthy had to find a new architect for his defensive squad and set his sights on Mike Zimmer. The technician has the advantage of knowing the house. He was also there during the franchise's last Super Bowl in 1995. Before later becoming defensive coordinator from 2000 to 2006 under Dave Campo then Bill Parcells.
Since then, the franchise has changed a lot, but success in the playoffs is still not there. This defense has been a major element of success in the regular season over the last three years with a record of 12 wins and 5 losses each year since 2021. But this squad has also been a drag in the playoffs, notably a few months ago with 48 points. conceded against the Packers. Mike Zimmer has already announced that he does not want to “reinvent the wheel”. We should therefore not expect a defensive revolution. He will nevertheless have to help this team progress so that it can perform at the highest level.
The main free agents
1. Tyron Smith (OT)
2. Tony Pollard (RB)
3. Stephon Gilmore (CB)
4. Jonathan Hankins (DL)
5. Tyler Biadasz (C)
The others: Noah Igbinoghene (CB), Jayron Kearse (S), Jourdan Lewis (CB), Dorance Armstrong Jr. (Edge)…
This season, Tyron Smith has only played 13 games. However, this is his highest total since 2019. A delicate situation for the Dallas Cowboys who find themselves facing a player who, at 33, plays less and less, but who remains very effective as soon as he is aligned on the ground. He will certainly have quite a few suitors in the league and the stakes could quickly rise.
Still on offense, the two running backs are free agents. Since the departure of Ezekiel Elliott, Mike McCarthy had given the keys to the truck to Tony Pollard. It is clear that the runner has had difficulties this season. He touched 75 more balls than last year, but saw his average yards per carry drop by nearly 1.2 yards compared to 2022. While playing under franchise tag this season, Pollard is now seeking a multi-season contract. It remains to be seen whether it will be in Dallas. With Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Derrick Henry, the crop of free running backs this season is quite rich and could make Texas leaders want to look elsewhere.
The other big name on this list is on defense: Stephon Gilmore. Arriving via a trade, the former defensive player of the year showed all his talent, especially after the injury to Trevon Diggs. The problem is that the cornerback will be 34 next September and re-signing him comes with a risk.
The Top 5 needs
1. Offensive line
2. Running back
3. Linebacker
4. Defensive Tackle
5. Cornerback
As with many teams, these needs will depend a lot on the players that the Dallas Cowboys will be able/willing to re-sign. First, managers will certainly work to make room in the payroll. With cuts perhaps, but above all with restructuring. Many players could see their contract structure changed to make room on the payroll. Starting with Dak Prescott. Not sure, however, that this will make Dallas want to spend money. The Cowboys have often opted to preserve their strength and rely relatively little on the signing of free agents.
During the offseason, the offensive line will be important. Tyler Biadasz and Tyron Smith are free and both could leave. Mike McCarthy and his staff would be obliged to find quality replacements. Among the running backs, a lot will depend on the fate of Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle.
Finally, every defensive line certainly needs a little adjustment in Texas. The priority may be at the linebacker level, but Mike Zimmer certainly wouldn't say no to a little more depth in the pass-rusher and cornerback groups.
Target
Alvin Kamara (RB)
During this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys will not have enough financial flexibility to strike a big blow during the free agency. The wage bill is already beyond the nails and even if the managers manage to restructure certain contracts, the money available will certainly be used to retain the few players on the squad who will become free. So don't expect to see them aligning dollars with available players. On the other hand, in recent months, they have proven that they are not afraid of taking risks by seeking out players via exchanges.
Brandin Cooks or Stephon Gilmore are two perfect examples. Two players with expiring contracts, scooped up by sending draft picks. The Cowboys could use the same method to find an impact player. Alvin Kamara fulfills all of these characteristics. The runner can still make a difference, but the Saints might want to part with him to make room on the payroll. This is where the Cowboys could step in to recruit a player at a position deserted by prospects free agents, Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle. On the other side of the ball, Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa could also be a target.
New blood
Jordan Morgan (OL, Arizona)
While Tyron Smith is on the verge of becoming a free agent, strengthening the offensive line would be a good idea with the 24th pick of this 2024 draft. The most likely is that the left tackle moves towards other horizons. Often injured in recent seasons and already 33 years old, Tyron Smith may not be retained by the leaders. The question of protecting Dak Prescott's blind side will then arise. Arizona player Jordan Morgan would be a logical solution. His physique and his room for improvement make him one of the very good linemen available in the 2024 draft. Above all, it is his versatility that could interest the Cowboys.
Morgan is able to slot in directly as a left tackle. And even if Mike McCarthy prefers him inside the line, the solution is also there. As one Smith can hide another, Tyler Smith would move from left guard to left tackle, while Jordan Morgan would become the left guard of this team. Finally, if the Cowboys were to still keep Tyron Smith, Jordan Morgan could still be useful as a right tackle. In short, this draft might not be the best “flashy” for the Dallas Cowboys, but would make sense to bring new blood to this line.
Other choices: JC Latham (OT), Jared Verse (Edge), Cooper DeJean (CB)…
