The Cowboys’ Stagnant Season and Rising Rivals
The Dallas Cowboys found themselves in a familiar yet frustrating position last week, watching as the Philadelphia Eagles claimed another Super Bowl championship. Just two weeks prior, they witnessed the Washington Commanders battling the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. These recent successes by their division rivals have only highlighted the Cowboys’ own struggles and the widening gap between them and the top teams in the NFL. Despite quarterback Dak Prescott’s unwavering confidence that the team remains competitive, the reality is that the Cowboys have fallen behind not just the Eagles but also the Commanders. This stark contrast in performance has sparked a sense of urgency among the players and fans alike, calling for significant changes in the team’s approach to free agency.
Micah Parsons’ Urgent Call for Action
One of the most vocal advocates for a more aggressive strategy is edge rusher Micah Parsons. Speaking in New Orleans last week, Parsons made it clear that he believes the Cowboys need to step up their game. “The talent is there. We’ve just got to be aggressive the same way [other teams] did,” Parsons asserted, as reported by Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I don’t want to sit back and watch other [teams] build and build and us stay the same. Definitely some call to action. I want to see us become aggressive and get some players that will come in and make an impact. I want to see us bring back our own players. That’s just as important. Let’s see what we can do there.”
Parsons’ comments reflect a growing sentiment within the team that the Cowboys cannot afford to remain complacent. The defensive star, known for his dynamic plays and leadership, is urging the front office to take bold steps to strengthen the roster and ensure they can compete at the highest level.
Historical Context: The Cowboys’ Free Agency Strategy
The Cowboys’ recent history in free agency is characterized by a cautious approach. The team has generally preferred to wait out the first wave of signings, often signing players after the initial frenzy has died down. This strategy has its merits, such as potentially landing undervalued players and avoiding overpayments. However, it has also meant that the Cowboys often miss out on top-tier talent. The last significant free agency splash the team made was in 2012 when they signed cornerback Brandon Carr to a five-year, $50.1 million deal on the very first day of the free agency period. Carr’s signing was a clear indication of the team’s willingness to invest in high-profile players when they believed it was necessary.
The Price of Inaction: Last Season’s Struggles
The Cowboys’ reluctance to engage in aggressive free agency signings last year caught up with them in a big way. The team’s 2022 offseason was particularly quiet, with Eric Kendricks, a solid linebacker, being the biggest name to join the roster. This conservative approach came at a cost, as the Cowboys watched several key players leave for other teams. Center Tyler Biadasz signed with the Washington Commanders, edge rusher Dorance Armstrong also joined the Commanders, defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins went to the Seattle Seahawks, running back Tony Pollard signed with the Tennessee Titans, and cornerback Stephon Gilmore headed to the Minnesota Vikings. The loss of these players weakened the Cowboys’ roster, contributing to their disappointing 7-10 record in the 2022 season.
Owner Jerry Jones’ Caution and Future Plans
Owner Jerry Jones, known for his hands-on approach to team management, has generally been cautious in free agency. Last week, he reiterated this stance, stating that the team’s offseason plans would be "in line" with those of other organizations. While Jones’ statement suggests a continuation of the team’s conservative strategy, it has been met with mixed reactions from the players and fans. Some argue that the team needs to take more risks to catch up with their rivals, while others believe in the value of patience and financial prudence.
Jones’ approach is rooted in a desire to maintain long-term financial stability and avoid cap constraints that can limit future flexibility. However, the recent successes of the Eagles and Commanders, who have been more aggressive in their player acquisitions, suggest that the Cowboys may need to reassess their strategy to remain competitive in the NFC East.
The Path Forward: Balancing Aggression and Prudence
The challenge for the Cowboys is to strike a balance between Parsons’ call for action and Jones’ preference for financial prudence. While the team’s cautious approach has helped them avoid cap issues and maintain a relatively stable roster, the lack of significant free agency moves has left them lagging behind their division rivals. The Cowboys must weigh the immediate need for talent against the long-term financial health of the organization.
To make meaningful improvements, the Cowboys could consider targeting key positions where they are lacking depth or quality. For instance, bolstering their defensive line, offensive line, and secondary could provide the necessary upgrades to compete with the Eagles and Commanders. Simultaneously, retaining their own free agents, such as defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. and tight end Dalton Schultz, should be a priority to maintain continuity and leverage their existing strengths.
Ultimately, the Cowboys need to find a way to be more proactive in free agency without compromising their long-term goals. The players are eager for a more aggressive approach, and the support of the fan base is crucial. If the Cowboys can make the right moves this offseason, they stand a better chance of closing the gap with their rivals and making a strong push for the playoffs in 2023.
