The Dallas Cowboys spent the 2024 NFL Draft filling holes that were created by a lackluster free agency period.
Now, with more roster clarity, it is time for them to get back into the free agency pool.
Coming off a 12-5 season, Dallas brought in just three external free agents.
Two of those signings were running backs, Ezekiel Elliott and Royce Freeman.
This means veteran Linebacker Eric Kendricks and four draftees are the only new additions to a defense that gave up 41 points and over 400 yards in their playoff loss to the Packers.
The Cowboys’ defense also lost Dan Quinn, the leader of the ship for the last three seasons.
New Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer needs all the help he can get to put a scheme-fitting defense together.
Needless to say, they should still be on the hunt for defensive talent post-draft.
The front office may want to cover its ears when I say this, but they need to do this even if it costs some money.
Dallas did add some really solid defensive talent in the draft.
However, they should not rely on that to push them over the top.
There is plenty of talent still on the board for them to pursue, and adding a few more veterans could do the trick in making this defense elite.
Let’s take a look at three of those defensive free agents the Cowboys should look to sign.
Cornerback, Stephon Gilmore
There is no free agent that Cowboys fans want more than former Cowboy, Stephon Gilmore.
Following a trade last offseason, Gilmore joined the Dallas secondary and made an immediate impact.
The former Defensive Player of the Year had 2 interceptions and 13 passes defensed while playing and starting in every game of the season.
Gilmore was reliable and productive during his one season in Dallas.
His veteran leadership and mentoring of the younger cornerbacks in the building were also prevalent.
The Cowboys have made no move to bring Gilmore back, likely for financial reasons.
But this is a move that would, with Trevon Diggs returning, give the secondary a chance at being elite.
His high-quality coverage skills alongside Diggs and DaRon Bland would be nasty.
It would also allow veteran Jourdan Lewis to play the CB4/Slot role, which he is comfortable with.
Rookie Cornerback Caelen Carson, who has a very bright future, would also benefit greatly from Gilmore rejoining the team.
It makes too much sense for Dallas to bring Gilmore back, plus, his number 21 is still open.
Now the question is will the Cowboys’ defense actually get him back?
Defensive End, Carl Lawson
Back in 2017, the Cowboys had a ton of interest in Auburn Tiger, Carl Lawson, in the draft.
Seven years later, it makes a lot of sense for them to pursue the veteran defensive lineman as they head into the 2024 season.
The Cowboys’ defense is still in need of defensive line depth, and Lawson gives them that and more.
This former Bengal and Jet has played DE, EDGE, and OLB in his career.
In his last healthy season, Lawson put up 7.0 sacks and 9 tackles for loss.
Bringing him in would give them a high-potential, versatile, depth option who could step into the Micah Parsons role if he ever went down.
Lawson’s tenure in New York didn’t turn out how he wanted after a big contract, but he has a chance to get back on track in a veteran role with Dallas.
At this point in his career, Lawson is not looking for money.
He is a guy looking for a chance to get back to his old self in the right situation.
With Zimmer, Parsons, and DeMarcus Lawrence on the defensive side, the Cowboys could be the perfect spot for him.
No pressure, just go get the quarterback when your number is called.
Defensive Tackle, Calais Campbell
While signing players like Lawson would help the Cowboys’ defense with depth, bringing in future Hall of Famer Calais Campbell would fill a huge need.
Dallas did not address the defensive tackle spot until the 7th round with Auburn’s Justin Rogers.
While Rogers has potential long-term, Dallas is still looking for some juice upfront.
Aside from veteran Osa Odighizua, the Cowboys are looking at Mazi Smith, Chauncey Golston, and Carl Davis Jr. as their DTs with on-field experience.
With all due respect to Smith, who could have a bounce-back year, that is not good enough.
Campbell, a 16-year NFL veteran, can still contribute in a major way.
He put up 6.5 sacks with the Falcons last year, alongside 10 tackles for loss and 17 quarterback hits.
Hitting half of those markers for the Cowboys’ defense in 2024 would go a long way.
Despite being 37 years old, Campbell has made it clear he still wants to play.
It would be crazy for the Cowboys to not reach out, work him out, and see if he could become a piece of this defense.
If his career tells us anything, the answer to that question will be a resounding yes.