The Dallas Cowboys have been trying to return to the Super Bowl since their last appearance in 1996: a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Unfortunately, not only have they not reached a Super Bowl since then, they also have not managed to advance past the Divisional round of the playoffs either.
If they hope to do so in 2025, they have several roster decisions to make before the roster can begin to take shape.
We might be tired of the “we like our guys” mantra, but would you be surprised if I told you there are a handful of internal free agents that Cowboys fans should want back?
Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram tweeted out a list of Cowboys players whose contracts have expired, along with their projected contracts via Spotrac.com:
- DE DeMarcus Lawrence (2yr, $24M)
- DE Chauncey Golston (3yr, $22M)
- LB Eric Kendricks (1yr, $6.8M)
- RB Rico Dowdle (1yr, $6.2M)
- WR Brandin Cooks (1yr, $5.2M)
- QB Cooper Rush (1yr, $5M)
- DE Carl Lawson (2yr, $7.5M)
- CB Jourdan Lewis (2yr, $4.5M)
- QB Trey Lance (1yr, $2.1M)
- DT Linval Joseph (1yr, $2M)
Nick also added his quick opinion on Spotrac’s projections:
Think of these as more of a benchmark, not as an actual price. Kendricks came in way below his market value last season. I’d expect Lewis to come in higher, Cooks to come in lower, etc.
For absolutely no reason at all, besides for the purposes of this article, I have limited myself to only choosing three players from this list for the Cowboys to re-sign.
Some could be eliminated immediately, but I struggled with others.
Honorable Mention
Here are three players who just missed the cut.
DE DeMarcus Lawrence
As much as I’d want DE DeMarcus Lawrence back (I wrote an article saying he was a priority re-signing), it’s probably time for the Cowboys to move on from the veteran.
Zack Martin’s retirement reminded me that he and Lawrence are from the same draft.
Lawrence has been the Cowboys’ best run defender, but if his leaving means a younger player gets his shot to shine, it’s time to see #90 go.
LB Eric Kendricks
The question mark above LB DeMarvion Overshown’s return in 2025 almost had me leave LB Eric Kendricks on this list to return.
However, Kendricks came in at a discount last season because of his relationship with DC Mike Zimmer.
Zimmer is gone, along with most of the rest of the defensive staff. For $6.8 million, there are other veteran linebackers on the market to come in and guide younger players.
WR Brandin Cooks
WR Brandin Cooks is another player who should be brought back simply based on the fact that the Cowboys don’t have players available at the position right now.
At least Cooks knows the offense and can contribute immediately, assuming they know how to use him.
Cooks was recently quoted saying he’d love to be back in Dallas, but only if they use him properly.
It doesn’t sound to me like he will be returning.
DE Chauncey Golston
Projected Market Value: 3yr, $22M ($7.3M AAV)
Chauncey Golston, a 2021 3rd round pick from Iowa, has been an increasingly reliable presence along the Cowboys’ defensive line. During his rookie contract, Golston demonstrated versatility in the front seven, playing both defensive tackle and defensive end in various schemes.
As the Cowboys look to build a dominant defense, retaining Golston should be a priority based on his projected market value.
According to Spotrac’s projections, Golston’s market value for 2025 sits at a modest but reasonable $7.3 million per season, making him an affordable option for the Cowboys.
This contract is well within the budget for a team looking to keep its defensive core intact while managing salary cap space.
Golston’s ability to contribute both in pass rush (career-high 5.5 sacks in 2024) and run defense (career-high 8 TFL in 2024), combined with his low projected salary, makes him excellent value for Dallas.
His age (27 years old in 2025) also suggests that he still has room to grow into a more impactful player, giving the Cowboys a solid return on their investment.
CB Jourdan Lewis
Projected Market Value: $2yr, $4.5M ($2.25M AAV)
Jourdan Lewis has been a key contributor in the Cowboys’ secondary for several reasons.
Known for his quickness and savvy play in the slot, Lewis has proven to be a dependable cornerback in one of the league’s most challenging positions.
As the Cowboys defense enters a new defensive scheme yet again under DC Matt Eberflus, retaining a player like Lewis, who brings both experience and reliability to the field, should be a priority.
Spotrac’s market value projections place Lewis’ contract at around $2.25M per season. I don’t think Lewis will be that cheap to retain, but he might agree to a team-friendly deal.
Lewis is cornerback who can effectively cover the slot and provide leadership to a young room of defensive backs.
DE Carl Lawson
Projected Market Value: 2yr, $7.5M ($3.75M AAV)
Carl Lawson was a pleasant surprise for the Cowboys in 2024. Signed as a dart throw to help fill spots left vacant by injured players, Lawson stepped in and stepped up for the Cowboys defense.
He recorded 5.0 sacks and 15 QB hits in 15 games played. It was pass rush production that we didn’t expect to get, but we welcomed it with open arms.
The Cowboys, who have struggled at times to generate a consistent pass rush opposite EDGE Micah Parsons, would be wise to bring Lawson back, especially at his current market value.
If you told me a player would come in and record 5.0 sacks and 15 QB hits and only cost the team $3.75M per season, what are they waiting for?