NFL Free Agency Looms as Cowboys Prepare for Potential Departures

Dallas, TX — As the NFL‘s legal tampering period approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are expected to take a cautious approach to free agency. Team owner Jerry Jones has reiterated their commitment to managing salaries prudently and retaining in-house talent.

With the NFL’s legal tampering period set to begin on March 10, Jones emphasized that the Cowboys’ strategy revolves around avoiding overextension in contracts while seeking to keep key players. Despite fans expressing frustration with the team’s free agency strategies, the front office has prioritized re-signing its own players.

The Cowboys have already secured safety Markquese Bell, yet several notable players remain on the verge of free agency, including defensive end Chauncey Golston, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, and running back Rico Dowdle. Each faces possible departures due to anticipated market price increases.

In 2024, Golston stepped into a prominent defensive role due to injuries, concluding the season with 56 tackles and 5.5 sacks. His performance has garnered attention from teams looking to bolster their pass-rushing capabilities. ‘Chauncey could attract lucrative offers elsewhere, making his return to Dallas unlikely,’ stated an NFC scout.

Brandin Cooks, who joined the Cowboys in a trade in 2022, has shown flashes of potential but has not consistently met expectations. Despite having a respectful rapport with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, reports suggest Dallas is willing to let Cooks walk away without offering a new contract.

Rico Dowdle is coming off an impressive season, rushing for over 1,000 yards, which positions him for a significant contract. However, his projected salary demand might be out of reach for the Cowboys. A source close to the situation noted, ‘If Dowdle’s value decreases, there’s a chance they could retain him, but it’s not likely given current forecasts.’

The upcoming weeks will be crucial for the Cowboys as they finalize their game plan for the massive free-agent market. The NFL’s salary cap increased dramatically to $279.2 million for the current season, providing each team with more financial flexibility to make necessary moves.

As organizations across the league gear up for free agency, those seeking to build upon previous seasons will have varying strategies. Some franchises may opt for aggressive spending, while others will look towards the draft for reinforcements. With the potential for over 12 teams holding significant cap space, big signings could reshape rosters in the coming days.

As teams prepare for free agency, the landscape of the NFL may shift dramatically, with players like Golston, Cooks, and Dowdle likely contributing to that evolution.