Dallas Cowboys Free Agency: Solid Moves, But Frustration Lingers

As free agency opened on Monday at 11 am CT, the Dallas Cowboys were quick to make some moves, and there’s no denying that the team has gotten better. Rashan Gary and Jalen Thompson were solid additions, boosting the defense and providing the team with immediate impact players. However, despite these moves, the Cowboys’ free agency period so far feels underwhelming, especially after missing out on key targets like Maxx Crosby and the potential trade of Osa Odighizuwa.

For a team that came close to big moves, the Cowboys’ decision to settle for these two signings raises questions about the front office’s strategy moving forward. Let’s break down the moves and what they mean for the team.

Rashan Gary and Jalen Thompson: Raising the Defensive Floor

Rashan Gary, a pass rusher, is undoubtedly a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ defense. His ability to generate pressure and contribute to the pass rush will help elevate a unit that already has strong foundational pieces. Similarly, Jalen Thompson provides the Cowboys with a reliable presence in the secondary, helping to solidify their defense.

Both players undoubtedly raise the floor of the defense, but there’s a sense of disappointment when comparing these moves to the bigger targets that Dallas was rumored to be interested in, like Maxx Crosby. The Cowboys finished as runners-up in the Crosby sweepstakes, which has left fans and analysts wondering if the team should have been more aggressive in securing an elite playmaker for the defensive front.

The Uncertainty Around Osa Odighizuwa and Other Misses

Adding to the frustration is the possible trade of standout defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. After a standout performance, the idea of trading away one of the few homegrown talents who had been a consistent contributor seems counterintuitive, especially after Dallas’s major miss on Crosby. The lack of an immediate impact signing, especially in a time when the Cowboys had the opportunity to do so, has created a sense of missed opportunity.

The Cowboys were also linked to some big-ticket linebackers—names like Devin Lloyd, Nakobe Dean, and Quay Walker—and they reportedly had Zoom calls with both Dean and Walker on Monday. However, all three players ended up with healthy contracts elsewhere, deals that Dallas could’ve easily matched or surpassed. This brings into question the Cowboys’ approach in free agency—did they hesitate too long or lack the aggressiveness to secure the pieces they needed?

Tyrus Wheat Signing: A Depth Move

On Day 3 of free agency, the Cowboys re-signed Tyrus Wheat, a defensive lineman who was originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Wheat’s career has primarily been spent on special teams, logging 457 special teams snaps compared to 263 defensive snaps. Last season, he played just 65 defensive snaps with the Detroit Lions. While Wheat provides depth, the signing isn’t exactly a game-changer for the Cowboys’ defense.

Dallas has a long history of top-heavy rosters, where the stars shine but the depth players get overlooked. While Wheat is a solid rotational piece, he’s more of a depth signing than a player who will make an immediate impact on defense.

The Importance of Depth Moves

That said, there’s nothing wrong with signing depth players to fill out the roster. The Cowboys’ defense has become increasingly stacked with talent at the top, but the lack of depth has been a significant issue in previous seasons. Signing players like Otito Ogbonnia (rotational nose tackle) and P.J. Locke (a proven backup safety) provides the team with important backup options and special teams contributors. While Wheat doesn’t offer as much impact as Ogbonnia or Locke, it’s essential to have capable backups to ensure the team’s defense remains strong throughout the season.

The purpose of free agency is often to plug holes, and the Cowboys have certainly done that by signing depth players. However, there’s a feeling that the team may have gone too literal with their approach—focusing on filling holes rather than aggressively pursuing a player who could truly make a difference.

The NFL Draft and Flexibility

One of the major concerns with the Cowboys’ free agency approach is their limited flexibility heading into the NFL Draft. While they’ve made moves to address certain needs, these moves don’t give them much leeway to make big changes or capitalize on the available talent in the draft. Dallas needs a player who can step in and make an immediate impact, and with free agency winding down, they have not yet made that type of signing.

Conclusion: The Cowboys’ Free Agency Approach

In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys have made some solid moves in free agency with Rashan Gary and Jalen Thompson, but the lack of significant impact signings—especially after missing out on players like Maxx Crosby—leaves some fans feeling underwhelmed. The signing of Tyrus Wheat adds depth, but it’s not the type of move that gets fans excited.

The Cowboys still have a chance to make noise in the draft and potentially add a game-changing player. For now, it’s clear that the team needs to be more aggressive in the second wave of free agency and consider how they’ll balance their roster for the upcoming season. Dallas has certainly improved, but their lack of major moves so far leaves the feeling that there’s more work to be done before the start of the season.