A year ago, at this point, the Cowboys' list of free agents included just one player: seasoned linebacker Eric Kendricks. This year, however, Dallas has secured eight new signings along with two trades as part of their 2025 roster moves—a significant departure from what we typically see from the team.
The squad has gained notoriety for their minimal participation in free agency, particularly over the past few years; however, they have altered their approach.
Dallas plans to focus on affordable veterans and ex-top draft choices who did not meet expectations.
Overall, eight of the ten new Cowboy signings were selected in the first or second round. Former Bears player Jack Sanborn and ex-Dolphin Robert Jones stand out as exceptions to this pattern.
Certain supporters have expressed worry over this situation, stating that Dallas continues to spend very little and has not acquired any top-tier players. Out of the club's eight free-agency acquisitions, only one contract extends beyond a single year.
In short, the Cowboys free agent class has been controversial, but at least it exists. What fans should do now is sort out which additions are most meaningful, so let’s do that here.
5. Payton Turner, the defensive end,
Five years ago, the Cowboys were scouting the then-Houston Cougars draft prospect, Payton Turner, as a potential first-round target. Dallas instead took All-Pro Micah Parsons, while the Saints ended up with Turner at pick 28.
Now, he makes his way to Dallas following an underwhelming tenure with the black and gold. During his four years in New Orleans, Turner accumulated only five sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and never managed to start a single game.
Because of both injuries and subpar play, He never managed to get started with the Saints. That being said, 2024 turned out to be his most triumphant season yet.
In 16 matches, Turner doubled his previous career high for appearances and either equaled or surpassed his personal best statistics in most other categories as well.
The Cowboys are counting on maintaining good health and continuing development following last season’s progress for this once highly regarded player. Should it pay off, they’ll have found a gem; otherwise, they’ve taken a minimal risk with just a $3 million investment this season.
4. Javonte Williams, Running Back
Much like Turner, veteran Running Back Javonte Williams came into the league in 2021 with high hopes. The Broncos had just spent a second-round pick on the North Carolina product, and their belief initially paid off.
When Williams was 21 years old, he experienced a standout rookie year, amassing 903 yards on runs and averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. Throughout the season, he scored seven times and demonstrated his capability as a receiver with 43 catches.
Now, at the age of 24, he has been pursuing those figures ever since.
Since Williams suffered tears in his ACL, LCL, and PCL during a 2022 match against the Las Vegas Raiders, he has not returned to his former form as a player.
Although his strong rushing and productivity have declined significantly over the past couple of seasons, he still holds considerable promise given his tender age, minimal accumulated injuries, and skills as a receiver out of the backfield.
The Cowboys are probably hoping He can serve as a consistent RB2 with a contract lasting one year. behind a rookie, and that’s a fine strategy to roll into the season with.
3. Kenneth Murray, Linebacker
At number three, we find another ex-Dallas draft pick, Kenneth Murray.
In 2020, this ex-Oklahoma Sooners standout was building significant buzz as an agile and efficient linebacker prospect. Had his fellow player, CeeDee Lamb, not dropped to the Cowboys with the 17th selection, it probably would have been Murray receiving the nod from Jerry Jones instead.
Since then, he hasn't entirely met the expectations set before his draft, yet he has still managed to be productive.
Murray, who is 26 years old, has recorded three seasons with more than 90 tackles, including the 2024 season where he also set a new personal best for sacks.
He tops this list, yet he isn't without flaws; thus, the The Titans were ready to go their separate ways. with a young team captain just one year into his two-year contract.
Should Murray prove productive, address his shortcomings with Matt Eberflus as coach, and manage to remain fit, this could turn out to be a valuable acquisition, given the minimal cost involved in the trade.
2. Jack Sanborn, Linebacker
When discussing Eberflus, the Dallas Cowboys' newly appointed defensive coordinator, it’s worth noting that his previous linebacker from Chicago takes the second position on this ranking.
Sanborn is a very underrated signing by Dallas, and I trust him more than Murray going into the 2025 season. His overall production and name recognition may not stack up with his newly acquired teammate, but Sanborn’s film is superior.
Few players show up with more determination when he is on the field. Sanborn has 164 career tackles in just 19 career starts because of that.
His connection with Eberflus , who took a chance on him as an undrafted free agent from Wisconsin, is significant as well.
The Cowboys free agent class is much stronger with Jack Sanborn in it. His one-year deal didn’t make the headlines, but I’m willing to bet that when the 2025 season is over, he’ll be one of the top new contributing additions in Dallas.
1. Dante Fowler Jr., Defensive End
Finishing at the top is none other than the seasoned pass-rusher Dante Fowler Jr., a recognizable figure. returns to Dallas .
After being selected as a top-three pick early in his career, Fowler joined the Cowboys in 2022 when his professional prospects were uncertain. Following a significant decline post his 11.5-sack performance in 2019, he experienced a resurgence during his tenure with the team in Dallas.
During his tenure of two years with the squad, he emerged as a crucial rotation player. Over this period, Fowler consistently played every match, accumulating 10 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits.
He joined Dan Quinn in heading to Washington during the recent off-season, and he really excelled.
Fowler had double-digit sacks for just the second time in his NFL career as he became a key piece of the Commanders’ defensive identity.
Now, one year after leaving, Fowler is headed back to the Cowboys on a one-year deal with the potential for continued success. Both DeMarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston are gone, leaving a ton of snaps for this key veteran to pick up.
Expect Dante Fowler Jr. to contribute in a major way this season.
Want more articles like this? Follow Inside The Star on MSN to see more of our exclusive NFL content.
More must-reads:
- Victors and vanquished from Friday's NFL free agency: Cooper Kupp secures new team
- The 49ers keep clearing out for the new season by trading their top rushing threat for 2024.
- Russell Wilson is set to sign; Steelers and Giants await Aaron Rodgers' choice.
- Journalist shares insights into what the Falcons are secretly saying regarding the uncertain Kirk Cousins scenario
Current trending slideshow: Mock first-round NFL draft—QB selection at numbers one and two (Provided by Yardbarker)
Post a Comment