FRISCO, Texas — At the conclusion of a 6-10 lackluster season, the Dallas Cowboys will have some tough decisions to make during free agency that officially begins on March 17. Dallas has over 20 players set to be free agents in 2021 and coming up short of the 2020-2021 playoffs, the organization will have to make some critical talent evaluations in rebuilding a team for the future under second-year head coach, Mike McCarthy.
The NFL sustained revenue losses in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic causing fewer fans in stadiums. The current estimation has the salary cap at $176 million, approximately a decrease of $22.2 million from the previous year. With a lower salary cap to work with, the Cowboys will have to choose wisely and sparingly in who stays and who is acquired. If the franchise is able to come to an agreement on a long-term contract for Dak Prescott, the club will have a better gauge on the money left over to address needs.
Dallas has not had a good track record on receiving a solid return on their investment in free agency. Last season, the team allocated funds to the defensive line in FA, specifically the interior to help clog holes and stop the run, signing Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe. Evidently, that did not pan out along with edge rusher Everson Griffen who was released during the season and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix who did not even make the final roster cutdown.
Here is the full list of 2021 Cowboy free agents by category:
Unrestricted Free Agents (17):
DT Eli Ankou
CB Chidobe Awuzie
TE Blake Bell
WR Noah Brown
DL Tyrone Crawford
QB Andy Dalton
OT Cameron Erving
CB C.J. Goodwin
LS L.P. Ladouceur
LB Sean Lee
CB Jourdan Lewis
C Joe Looney
QB Dak Prescott
LB Justin March
DE Aldon Smith
LB Joe Thomas
S Xavier Woods
Restricted Free Agents (4):
OT Greg Senat
WR Malik Turner
WR Cedrick Wilson
DT Antwaun Woods
Exclusive Rights Free Agent (1):
DE Ron’Dell Carter
Top Players to Keep:
QB Dak Prescott-
In the NFL, it is rare to find a valuable quarterback that not only possesses the on-field mechanics and arm talent, but also the intangibles/ leadership qualities. The Cowboys have all of the above in Dak Prescott. He has been the starting quarterback for Dallas the last five seasons and has made a name for himself as a top 10 quarterback in the NFL. That caliber of a player at any position, much less the most critical on the roster, is worth the money.
Prescott is in the prime of his career and was leading every statistical passing category with career-highs prior to his season-ending ankle injury in week five. If anything, the team rallying without the heart and soul of their team, just upped his stock and worth as the season wore on. Sure, re-signing No.4 would make him the highest paid player in Cowboys’ history and one of the highest-paid players in the league, but he is their best option.
He has developed over his time in Dallas, becoming more accurate on deep throws and diagnosing coverages prior to the snap. Prescott gives his all on the field as the 2020 season was a testament to. This offseason is an unprecedented time in quarterback movement that certainly provides intrigue, but even if Dallas could find a better quarterback at the position (doubtful), the margin would be slim and there is no guarantee the new guy would mesh in the locker room and in Kellen Moore’s system.
Prescott commands the huddle and every player on the team respects and trusts him. He is the unwavering leader and that is hard to come by in the league. The Cowboys found a diamond in the rough in the fourth round of the 2016 Draft with Prescott and he is deserving of a long-term contract. The problem is, if a deal is not reached by both sides, he is expected to play on the franchise tag for the second consecutive year, giving him $37.7 million in 2021. That would make it much more difficult for the Cowboys to strike a deal with him following the 2021 season, and if the tag is put on the table, would Prescott sign? Or would he decide to go elsewhere where he feels valued with a secured long-term deal? The frustration grows as time passes and a long-term deal needs to be the priority over the next few months to lock Prescott up for the future.
OL Joe Looney-
Besides Dak Prescott, there is no player more beloved than Joe Looney. His attitude and spirit are contagious. The 30-year-old has started in 29 games for the Cowboys over the last three seasons. He has the flexibility to play both center and guard and if Dallas names 2020 fourth-round pick Tyler Biadasz as the starting center next year, re-signing Looney as a veteran backup would be beneficial if he does not find a starting job elsewhere. His presence and contribution are underrated.
CB Chidobe Awuzie-
The former 2017 second-round pick has started 42 of 49 games for Dallas since being drafted. Awuzie has had one interception in each of his four seasons and has the greatest probability of sticking around. The Cowboys could be facing an exodus in the secondary with Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, and Xavier Woods all free agents this year.
Awuzie has had lapses in coverage, but overall, he is a solid corner and could be a viable option at safety if the new defensive staff makes the switch. In 2020, Awuzie ranked second on the team with five passes defensed. The Cowboys have a solid unit moving forward with Trevon Diggs, Anthony Brown, and Donovan Wilson but Awuzie could be a needed piece in the future, specifically to bolster competition.
DE Aldon Smith-
The price tag for Smith will be an influential factor. In 2020 marking his comeback, Smith recorded a quarterback pressure on 12.1% of his pass rush opportunities according to PFF, the third-highest pressure rate by the Cowboys. The 31-year-old recorded five sacks last season (second) after a five-year absence from the league and had 33 quarterback pressures (second). His two fumble recoveries led the team and his 78-yard scoop and score against Cincinnati became the fifth-longest fumble return in team history and Smith’s first career touchdown.
He is certainly an intriguing prospect for team’s looking for an edge rusher after showcasing the burst and flashes of his innate ability that gained him recognition at the prime of his career prior to the layoff. Dallas does have DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory under contract, along with depth in Bradlee Anae and Dorance Armstrong. Smith shows promise and with a full year back under his belt and offseason in 2021, year two could be his breakout season.
CB C.J. Goodwin- Listed as a cornerback but Goodwin is an asset to the Cowboys’ special teams’ unit and the most productive in 2020 with a pro bowl caliber year. Wilson played 72 percent of the Cowboys’ special teams snaps last season and made many impactful plays down the stretch that put the Cowboys’ in favorable field position and his instincts altered the momentum in ballgames whether that was serving as a gunner in coverage or nearly scoring a touchdown from a lateral pass, he did it all. Many coaches raved about his value throughout the 2020 season and the staff will likely try and retain him.
WR Cedrick Wilson-
The Cowboys certainly have one of the most talented wide receiver corps. in the league with Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb. To trail behind those three on the depth chart, it can be hard to stay relevant. Wilson showcased his versatility as the fourth receiver on Dallas’ roster. He emerged against the Seattle Seahawks in week three with five catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns. He stepped up when given opportunities. Sure, he had a dip in production with a limited role with Cooper surpassing 1,000 yards and Lamb’s standout year as a rookie with 74 receptions, but he would be a viable candidate to keep around for a low price that knows the offense. The Boise State product shows promise and can make an impact on special teams in addition.
LB Joe Thomas-
If Sean Lee leaves or decides to retire, Thomas’ value with the club rises. He would be inexpensive to re-sign and provides solid depth at the linebacker position. Given the lower salary cap, keeping Thomas, a player they have had a long relationship with that possesses the talent to be a backup or start, would benefit the Cowboys. He has the flexibility to play multiple spots in the middle of the defense and Dallas could plug him in next season without a hitch.
