Cowboys free agents: Projecting 14 players’ possible return in 2024

The Dallas Cowboys are still awaiting word on Dan Quinn’s situation. They have no control over prospective defensive side-of-the-ball changes until his future is decided, and his departure remains the most likely consequence. For the time being, it appears that they will largely stick with their offensive and special teams staffs.

This shifts our attention to free will. The team can always sign its own free agents to new contracts, even though they won’t be able to do anything about outside free agents until the legal tampering period starts. Though their new free agents are a far bigger worry, they may still have some players under contract that they have decided to split ways with.

THE ORIGINALS

Tyron Smith, Lieutenant

Despite being a Dallas regular for thirteen seasons, he was performing at a very high level the previous season. Despite continuing to struggle with ailments, he started thirteen games and was named an All-Pro for the sixth time in his career.

Less than a dozen bigger openings are more concerning than losing your left tackle. They would have to come up with a plan of action since failing to attempt to bring him back would be a significant risk. Tyler Smith just received his first All-Pro selection at guard, but he might yet be moved out to tackle. At best, moving him is a dubious plan. If not, they would have to try hiring someone outside of the company to replace him, which would probably cost more.

It’s a disaster, but the Cowboys ought to go after him if he wants to play football next season. Naturally, they would be seeking an agreement that benefits the entire club. Although the savings were somewhat offset by the numerous games he missed over the years due to injuries, Dallas ultimately came out ahead with the eight-year agreement he signed back in 2014. To somewhat make up for that, he could desire more money.

This is the most challenging scenario the team has to deal with. Furthermore, we have no notion how it will turn out.

Spotrac r

Having a hole to replace on your offensive line is never good news. It’s

Although much less complicated, this one isn’t quite cut and dry. Although many consider Pollard’s 2023 season to be a letdown, he finished the league in 12th place in terms of rushing yards. Similar to Schultz from the previous year, he is playing on the tag.

Given that Spotrac values his value at $6.6 million per season, it seems obvious that the team would expect him to play for far less than the $10 million he received on the tag. Additionally, running back differs greatly from left tackle. It’s thought to be among the simplest jobs to fill. Even if the Cowboys support their own players, they can decide to let him look for work elsewhere.

He was a terrific trade acquisition the previous season. However, he is older than every player on the squad save punter Bryan Anger, and he is coming off an injury that significantly damaged him in the playoff loss. Next season, Trevon Diggs will make a comeback from his injury, providing them with a fill-in. Gilmore may be a possibility to bring back if he were to come in at a very low cost, but with so many needs and a restricted budget, he might have been little more than a one-year hire.

The Cowboys most likely don’t want to have to replace two starting cornerbacks, much like on the offensive line. It is imperative to bring Lewis back if Gilmore is most certainly out. Dallas will be in a very strong position in the secondary if they manage to keep him.

DE Dorance Armstrong

Although he’d be good to have around as a backup or rotational player, this is another situation where it could be wiser for the player to wait to sign rather than sign early. Armstrong’s career performance has been sufficient to consider him a potential starter. That won’t happen with the Cowboys as long as DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons are in the team. Unless his market is soft, don’t expect him to be on the team the next season.