In recent years, the Dallas Cowboys have navigated the regular season with a level of ease that’s been conspicuously absent during their playoff appearances. A potential reason for this disparity could be the lack of rigorous challenges within the NFC East. The Cowboys have outpaced their division rivals with a remarkable record, securing nine of their 18 division games by a margin of at least 20 points—a feat unmatched by any other NFL team.
However, this narrative took a significant turn as the latest developments suggest a shift in the division’s competitive balance. The Cowboys found themselves on the losing end of key player movements, with defensive end Dorance Armstrong and center Tyler Biadasz joining former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn at the Washington Commanders. Additionally, running back Tony Pollard’s decision to sign with the Tennessee Titans marked another blow to the team’s roster depth. These departures have left the Cowboys in a precarious position, especially as their NFC East rivals have made notable strides in bolstering their squads.
The Philadelphia Eagles, for instance, have made impressive acquisitions by securing deals with Saquon Barkley from the New York Giants and Bryce Huff from the New York Jets. The Commanders didn’t stop with Armstrong and Biadasz; they also added Austin Ekeler from the Los Angeles Chargers and Frankie Luvu from the Carolina Panthers to their roster. Meanwhile, the New York Giants, despite losing Barkley, managed to trade for Panthers’ edge rusher Brian Burns and sign Devin Singletary from the Houston Texans.
These movements across the division underscore a lackluster start to free agency for the Cowboys, who have yet to make significant additions to their roster. This cautious approach might stem from the team’s strategic financial planning, which has seen them restructure contracts in the past, pushing dead-cap money into the future. This has inevitably led to a tight salary cap situation, limiting their ability to sign unrestricted free agents without constraints.
Despite these challenges, the Cowboys are expected to eventually engage in the market to address some of the roster’s glaring needs. The departure of Pollard, who signed a three-year contract with Tennessee worth $24 million, leaves the Cowboys with limited options in the running back position. The team currently has Deuce Vaughn and fullback Hunter Luepke, both of whom had a modest output last season.
The NFL’s active pursuit of running backs this offseason reflects a response to a perceived weak draft class for the position. Notably, Aaron Jones became a free agent after being released by the Green Bay Packers, presenting a potential option for the Cowboys to consider as a replacement for Pollard, despite potential financial hurdles.
As the Cowboys navigate this critical period, the focus remains on strategic acquisitions that align with their financial and competitive objectives. The possibility of re-signing left tackle Tyron Smith offers a glimmer of hope, although financial negotiations have proven challenging. With the draft class rich in offensive tackle talent, the Cowboys may yet find a way to bolster their lineup without compromising their financial strategy.
As the NFL free agency period unfolds, the Cowboys’ approach will be closely watched, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how the team adapts to the evolving competitive landscape of the NFC East.