In the past two weeks, the Dallas Cowboys free agent class has bulked up. The team has signed seven players since the start of August, most notably veteran DE Carl Lawson. There is also a possibility that Dallas could one-up the Lawson move.
There are free agents available, and ones that will hit the market soon with roster cuts, that might find a home with the Cowboys.
Despite the front office’s malaise during the actual offseason free agency period, they seem to be somewhat aggressive now in filling the holes on the roster for cheap, so why not continue that?
After all, I think we can all agree this roster still needs improving.
With rumors floating around specific guys, and easy-to-see fits emerging, let’s take a look at five Cowboys free agent targets that could sign before the start of the season.
Randy Gregory: One Last Chance in Dallas?
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: The Cowboys could look to give veteran defensive end, Randy Gregory, another opportunity.
The 2015 Cowboys draftee is at a crossroads in his NFL career, having just been released by the Buccaneers yesterday after failing to show up to training camp, seemingly for an unknown reason.
The #Bucs are releasing DE Randy Gregory after he was a no-show for minicamp and training camp. HC Todd Bowles said he doesn’t know why he didn’t report. pic.twitter.com/Y91ISXiJap
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 18, 2024
Gregory has had as tumultuous an NFL career as you can possibly have. He’s been suspended five times, he left Dallas after initially agreeing to terms, and then got traded just 10 games into his 5-year Broncos contract.
The news about this Buccaneers situation smells like the end for Gregory, unless the team that gave him chance after chance has one more left in them.
Dallas has been trying to supplement the loss of Sam Williams at defensive end with the signing of Lawson, as well as veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad, but the lack of depth at the position could still allow for another signing.
It would take some relationship mending, and the Cowboys might not want the distraction, but he did flash talent with the 49ers last year and could be useful.
Dalvin Cook: Joining Forces At Long Last?
At this point, the Dalvin Cook to Dallas rumors are like the Earl Thomas and Odell Beckham to Dallas rumors: never-ending and never actually happening.
The veteran running back, whose All-Pro days are surely behind him, has been connected to the Cowboys since early 2023, and it does make sense why. Signing a guy that ran for 1,110+ yards in 2022 for cheap at your biggest need? Sounds right to me.
Cowboys gotta grab Dalvin Cook!
It makes too much sense!
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 2, 2024
Unfortunately, there is more to Cook’s story, and the cons might outweigh the pros.
At 29 years old with an extensive injury track record, Cook might have simply run out of gas. It is rare for a running back to last into their 30s.
The other issue here is that he’s been passed up by every other team in the NFL time and time again recently, especially after he conducted workouts with interested teams.
Baltimore and New York took shots on him in 2023, but only got around 300 rushing yards out of him in total. It might make more sense for Dallas to ride it out with Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, and the rest of that young group.
Dalvin Cook's longest run with the #Jets: 14 yards
Dalvin Cook after 1 carry with the #Ravens: 19 yardspic.twitter.com/s1V7RXtmQ4
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 21, 2024
If Cook is a Cowboys free agent target, he’s going to have to prove he has mileage left in him before their interest gets real.
Donovan Smith: Chuma Edoga Replacement?
He is far from the flashiest name on this list, but veteran Offensive Tackle Donovan Smith would be the most helpful free agent signing Dallas could pursue.
Heading into his 10th NFL season, the former long-time Buccaneer and two-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs is still in need of a contract, and a recent Cowboys injury has opened up a need for a guy like him.
Chuma Edoga, the expected starter at left tackle over rookie Tyler Guyton, broke his toe in Week 1 of the preseason.
The Cowboys OL suffers a blow.
Veteran Chuma Edoga will likely open the season on IR after suffering a significant injury to his left big toe in the pre-season opener, multiple people w/ knowledge of the injury said.
No surgery, but extensive rehab ahead.
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) August 13, 2024
He will miss multiple weeks, which means Guyton, for better or for worse, will be thrown to the wolves to start the year as the starter.
Unless, the Cowboys offensive line gains yet another Smith by bringing this guy in.
At 31 years old with a championship record, he could bring a ton of experience, mentorship-skills, and more NFL-ready ability than Guyton. Protecting Dak Prescott’s blindside is the top offensive priority for this team, and Smith may be the best option.
His price-tag is unknown, and could be higher than what Dallas can afford, but he is worth a look regardless.
It is all hands on deck, and another Cowboys free agent signing should focus on a player like Smith, rather than a flashy running back or reunion-style move.
