Jon HoeflingUSA TODAY
Sadly, 2023, much like every season since the turn of the century, was not the Dallas Cowboys' year. Although America's Team showed great promise throughout the season, earning an NFC East title and securing the NFC's No. 2 seed in the playoffs, the Cowboys could not get anything going when it mattered most.
Quarterback Dak Prescott was an MVP candidate for most of the season. Wideout CeeDee Lamb cemented himself as arguably the best receiver in the NFL. Micah Parsons continued dominating at the line of scrimmage. Still, the only history the Cowboys made was becoming the first No. 2 seed ever to lose to a No. 7-seed in the wild card round.
Clearly, the Cowboys have a lot of work to do this offseason if they want to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers for a Super Bowl anytime soon. The Cowboys do not have much cap space – ranking 27th in the NFL for 2024, according to Over the Cap – actually falling in the red heading into the offseason. However, there are several solid players that can improve the team in free agency for a reasonable price.
Here's everything to know about Dallas' impending free agency period.
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2024 Dallas Cowboys free agents
Unrestricted free agents
In order of percentage of snaps played, per Spotrac:
- CB Stephon Gilmore
- LT Tyron Smith
- C Tyler Biadasz
- S Jayron Kearse
- RB Tony Pollard
- CB Jourdan Lewis
- OT Chuma Edoga
- DT Johnathan Hankins
- LS Trent Sieg
- DT Neville Gallimore
- EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.
- TE Sean McKeon
- CB Noah Igbinoghene
- EDGE Dorance Armstrong Jr.
- CB C.J. Goodwin
Restricted free agents
- RB Rico Dowdle
Potential Dallas Cowboys draft targets
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Middlehurst-Schwartz writes, "Dallas might need to replace Tyron Smith if the longtime left tackle heads elsewhere in free agency or retires. Though Mims has just eight starts to his name and played right tackle at Georgia, he's the kind of high-upside option that Jones might be drawn to."
Damian Parson, The Draft Network: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Much like Middlehurst-Schwartz, Parson has Mims going to the Cowboys as well. With the potential departures of both Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz, the offensive line was always going to be an area of attention for this team. While Mims offers incredible size and athleticism for this position, if the Cowboys take on such an inexperienced player, that move would certainly be an all-or-nothing decision hoping Mims is the piece they need to win a Super Bowl.
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Reuter writes, "Forget about Fautanu's size. He can play tackle in the NFL. His lateral movement, hip flexion and anchor should allow him to step in forTyron Smithif the veteran doesn't re-sign in 2024."
Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Sikkema writes, "Tyron Smithis a pending free agent andTerence Steeledidn't fare well at right tackle in 2023, so the Cowboys will have their options open for offensive line investments. Mims is green on experience but has a ton of athletic potential in his 6-foot-7, 330-pound frame."
Garrett Podell, CBS Sports: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Podell brings up an interesting point regarding the decision here. If Tyron Smith leaves in free agency, the Cowboys would almost certainly have to spend their first-round draft pick on an offensive tackle due to the contract situation with left guard Tyler Smith. Tyler Smith has been one of the best offensive linemen in the league, earning a second-team All-Pro nod in 2023. The Cowboys, already in the red in terms of cap, perhaps cannot afford to keep both Smith's, meaning a tackle in the first round would make the most sense.
When does NFL free agency begin?
The NFL's legal tampering period begins on March 11 at noon ET. Players, teams, and agents will be allowed to begin negotiating contracts for the upcoming free agency during this period. However, contracts cannot be completed until March 13 at 4 p.m. ET. This date is when the business year for the NFL turns anew, meaning March 13 is officially when contracts are finished, so that is when players and teams can sign new contracts.
When is the 2024 NFL Draft?
Where: Campus Marius Park at Hart Plaza in Detroit, MI
When: April 25-27, 2024
TV: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
Stream: NFL+, ESPN+, fuboTV
How to watch: Catch this year's NFL Draft with a Fubo subscription
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I'm a passionate and knowledgeable enthusiast when it comes to the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys. I've closely followed the team's performance, player statistics, and potential draft targets. My expertise extends to understanding the dynamics of the NFL free agency period, the draft process, and the key dates for these events. I've also delved into the strategies and considerations involved in building a competitive team, especially in the context of the Dallas Cowboys' current situation. My insights are backed by a deep understanding of the team's history, performance, and the broader landscape of the NFL.
Dallas Cowboys' Performance in 2023
The Dallas Cowboys had a promising season in 2023, earning an NFC East title and securing the NFC's No. 2 seed in the playoffs. However, despite the strong performances of key players like quarterback Dak Prescott, wideout CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons, the team faced a disappointing outcome in the playoffs, becoming the first No. 2 seed ever to lose to a No. 7-seed in the wild card round.
Impending Free Agency Period
The Dallas Cowboys are facing challenges in the upcoming free agency period due to their limited cap space, ranking 27th in the NFL for 2024. However, there are opportunities to improve the team by acquiring solid players for a reasonable price in free agency.
Potential Draft Targets
Several potential draft targets have been identified for the Dallas Cowboys, particularly in the offensive line position. The potential departures of key players like Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz have highlighted the need to focus on the offensive line. Amarius Mims from Georgia and Troy Fautanu from Washington are among the potential draft targets for the Cowboys, with a focus on addressing the team's offensive line needs.
Key Dates for NFL Free Agency and Draft
The NFL's legal tampering period for free agency begins on March 11 at noon ET, allowing negotiations between players, teams, and agents. However, contracts cannot be completed until March 13 at 4 p.m. ET. The 2024 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 25-27, 2024, at Campus Marius Park at Hart Plaza in Detroit, MI, with coverage on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.
I hope this overview provides a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and events related to the Dallas Cowboys' performance, the impending free agency period, potential draft targets, and the key dates for NFL free agency and the draft. If you have any further questions or need more detailed information on any specific aspect, feel free to ask!
