Dallas Cowboys Begin Roster Rebuild Amid Free Agency Decisions

With the dismissal of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason is officially underway. As the playoffs begin elsewhere in the league, Dallas is turning its attention to a flawed roster that contributed to a disappointing season. Critical decisions loom over high-priced veterans, while contracts on several offensive players may either be restructured, extended, or terminated entirely.

According to Spotrac, eight offensive players currently have expiring contracts, each with varying degrees of necessity to the team’s long-term plans. Here’s a breakdown of who the Cowboys should re-sign and who should be allowed to explore free agency.

Players to Re-Sign

T.J. Bass, OG: Re-sign
Depth on the offensive line is crucial, and Bass has proven reliable in spurts. A restricted free agent, he can play both guard spots and most recently filled in when Tyler Smith shifted to left tackle. Retaining Bass would be straightforward, and any team attempting to poach him would owe compensation to the Cowboys.

Hakeem Adeniji, T/G: Re-sign
Adeniji offers versatility and experience, having started 16 games across multiple line positions, including a Super Bowl appearance with the Cincinnati Bengals. He provides a bridge while the Cowboys potentially acquire a new right tackle through the draft or free agency. His price tag is reasonable, making him a logical offseason retention.

George Pickens, WR: Re-sign
Pickens is a no-brainer. In his first season with Dallas, he recorded 93 receptions for over 1,400 yards and nine touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field, win contested catches, and create after the catch pairs perfectly with CeeDee Lamb. At only 24, Pickens represents a cornerstone for Dak Prescott’s prime years, and the Cowboys should prioritize locking him up with an extension, even at a premium price.

Players to Let Walk

Brock Hoffman, G/C: Let Walk
While Hoffman showed versatility and toughness across the interior line, his market value could price Dallas out. Teams in need of offensive line depth, like Washington or New York, may offer a significant pay increase. Given budget constraints and roster flexibility, it’s likely the Cowboys will let Hoffman test free agency.

Miles Sanders, RB: Let Walk
Sanders’ tenure in Dallas was marred by a critical fumble in the season opener and a shoulder injury that ended his campaign early. With Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, and Phil Mafah emerging as backfield options, Sanders’ role appears expendable. The Cowboys are expected to invest in their current contributors rather than retain him.

Jalen Tolbert, WR: Let Walk
After four seasons, Tolbert has not emerged as a consistent receiving threat behind CeeDee Lamb. The arrival of Jonathan Mingo in 2024 and the emergence of Ryan Flournoy this season have effectively supplanted Tolbert. With redundancy at his position and limited upside, Dallas will likely allow him to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Javonte Williams, RB: Let Walk
Despite a 1,201-yard season in 2025, Dallas may view Williams as replaceable given the offensive line’s proven ability to elevate rushing production. With free agents like Seattle’s Kenneth Walker or Atlanta’s Tyler Allegier available for less, the Cowboys could replicate Williams’ production at a lower cost. Though a difficult decision, this may be a financially driven move.

Robert Jones, G: Let Walk
Jones missed all of 2025 due to a neck injury and never saw game action. Despite a $3.75M one-year contract, Dallas’ inaction after his recovery suggests he is not in the team’s long-term plans. The Cowboys are expected to seek alternative guard depth in the offseason.

The Big Picture

The Dallas Cowboys’ offseason focus is clear: maximize salary cap flexibility, prioritize young talent, and reinforce key positions with cost-effective solutions. Re-signing core contributors like George Pickens ensures stability at skill positions, while allowing veterans like Sanders, Jones, and Tolbert to depart frees resources for upgrades elsewhere.

In addition, offensive line depth remains a priority. Retaining versatile players like T.J. Bass and Hakeem Adeniji provides insurance during the offseason while giving the coaching staff flexibility to develop a more robust starting lineup. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ front office will continue evaluating free agents and draft prospects to complement Dak Prescott’s weapons and maintain a competitive offensive core.

The decisions made this offseason will set the tone for Dallas’ reconstruction. With new leadership on the defensive side and a retooled offense, the Cowboys hope to rebound from a disappointing season and reestablish themselves as perennial playoff contenders. By balancing talent retention with strategic departures, Dallas can optimize its roster while maintaining flexibility to navigate the unpredictable landscape of free agency.