Few former Cowboys have been bigger cheerleaders for the organization than Michael Irvin. But even “The Playmaker” can’t find much to praise in Dallas’ 2022 offseason moves so far, and the legendary wide receiver made his feelings clear in a recent interview.
Appearing on FOX 4’s “Free 4 All” last night, Irvin pulled no punches in criticizing Dallas’ focus on creating salary cap space over upgrading roster talent. He also directly addressed the team’s decision to trade WR Amari Cooper.
Nobody's more of a @dallascowboys optimist than @michaelirvin88 . But even The Playmaker can't convince himself that this off-season has been a success. Much more with Michael tonight at 10:30 on #Free4All pic.twitter.com/5jmpJbWLoG
— Mike Doocy (@MikeDoocyFox4) March 30, 2022
It's clear that @michaelirvin88 is disappointed by the @dallascowboys off-season strategy. His thoughts on trading Amari Cooper..and more tonight on #Free4All at 10:30 on @FOX4 pic.twitter.com/DAyapos3j8
— Mike Doocy (@MikeDoocyFox4) March 31, 2022
While he didn’t specifically mention OT La’el Collins getting released, Michael probably didn’t love that decision either. Not was he likely keen on the Cowboys allowing Randy Gregory to slip through their fingers and land with the Broncos.
Of course, Irvin’s is just one perspective. Some have argued that Dallas is better off spending the money that Gregory would’ve cost alone into multiple players like Leighton Vander Esch, Dante Fowler, and Dorance Armstrong that cover several needs and create depth.
But as a former superstar himself, Michael Irvin knows how special players tend to dictate success. He watched guys like Deion Sanders and Charles Haley be difference-makers on the various teams they played for, including his own. He knows what he, Troy Aikman, and Emmitt Smith meant for the 90s Cowboys.
The Cowboys’ “moneyball” approach to the 2022 offseason will ultimately be judged from September to February. But for now it’s clearly left one of their biggest fans, and many others, wondering if this team is really headed in the right direction.
