Expectations are as low as they can be for the Dallas Cowboys as the free agency period inches closer.
Unfortunately, it has been years since Dallas has been aggressive in free agency.
The free agency class this offseason fits the Cowboys' positional needs, but as we hear the front office's rhetoric and see their actions, it is hard to believe they will be “all-in” on signing impact players.
They have yet to make the contract extensions needed to clear cap space and they are even moving on from in-house options, like franchise legend Tyron Smith.
All this is to say that we will likely not see Derrick Henry, Patrick Queen, or some other big-money free agent in Dallas next season.
That does not mean they will not make signings, however.
With the Cowboys' status as a contending team, we can still expect them to make moves in free agency like they have in years past.
Cost-efficient, low-risk, older, and “realistic” free agents are the apple of the Cowboys' eye.
We hear a lot about the big-name guys Dallas should target, but let's take a look at some guys that they could realistically try to sign.
Here are three realistic free agents for the Cowboys in 2024.
Linebacker, Eric Kendricks.
A 1-year deal to former Vikings and Chargers Linebacker, Eric Kendricks, is perhaps the most Cowboys free agency signing possible.
The Los Angeles Chargers are releasing Eric Kendricks.
The move will save the Chargers $6.5M in cap space. pic.twitter.com/aenZ0gF1Zs
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 5, 2024
That does not mean it's bad, but it is just very predictable.
Kendricks, a veteran with more experience than true ability at this point, would bring a short-term fix at the team's biggest weakness while also getting a guy with immense experience under Mike Zimmer.
He was brought in by Zimmer as a rookie and had his best seasons while in his system.
This move brings in a tackle machine with leadership and experience in a system that is otherwise completely new to the rest of the Cowboys' defense.
So, again, this is not a bad signing, but it is limited in potential and long-term prospects.
Kendricks is undoubtedly on the back end of his career, and you have to worry about the end being sooner rather than later.
At 32 years old, He is not making another Pro Bowl trip anytime soon.
If Dallas were to combine this with another signing or a high draft pick, the linebacker room could improve drastically. If this is the lone move to improve the linebacking corps, close your eyes when this group is on the field in 2024.
Wide Receiver, Odell Beckham Jr
The Cowboys have made a habit of getting in a bit late on wide receivers in free agency.
Think Allen Hurns, Randall Cobb, Tavon Austin, T.Y. Hilton, and James Washington. Big name receives that are on the decline but have the name recognition to get fans excited.
Is there a more applicable name to that description than former superstar, Odell Beckham Jr?
After his long history of injuries, lack of production, and elder age, Beckham is more of a name than he is a player at this point, but he still carries some of the electric talent that brought him to stardom in New York.
We see flashes when Beckham is on the field, and that may be all Dallas needs to be interested in him.
ODELL BECKHAM JR.
📺: #LARvsBAL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/pWMED8SAQa pic.twitter.com/jXBOn3VhvK— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023
There was mutual interest and even visits to the facility during the 2022 season.
While that saga ended without a deal, it was largely because of Beckham's financial demands.
After a 565-receiving-yard season, it is safe to say he won't attract the same $18M deal that he got from the Ravens in 2023.
Dallas is in desperate need of receiving depth, and a 1-year $7-10M deal to Beckham would certainly fit the description of what the Cowboys target in free agents.
Running Back, Ezekiel Elliott
A reunion with franchise great, Ezekiel Elliott, has been floated by the front office since the very moment they released him.
Owner Jerry Jones was teasing a potential return for months, and it only stopped when the New England Patriots signed the veteran to a 1-year $3M deal. Needless to say, there is at least interest from Jones.
As we head into this offseason, the Cowboys could lose starter Tony Pollard to free agency and might head into the draft looking for their new RB1.
This would leave space for a veteran depth signing to fill out the depth chart behind the new rookie.
Quite frankly, there is nobody with more experience with Dallas, its system, and the players than Elliott, and he showed he still has some gas in his tank in his 2023 season with the Patriots.
Dive on in, Zeke!@EzekielElliott | #NEvsBUF
📺: #NEvsBUF on CBS pic.twitter.com/ii9KOqtoSH
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 31, 2023
Especially in the passing game, Elliott provided a security blanket for an otherwise dormant offense.
It is no secret that Elliott is heading towards the end of an incredible career.
Is there a better way to cap it off than one more year in Dallas as a mentor to a rookie starter, reliable backup option, goal-line runner, and solid pass-catcher out of the backfield?
