This front office is not going big-game hunting for free agents after the draft, but the Cowboys could add some affordable veteran depth and camp competition.
I’ve watched this team long enough to know how this part of the offseason normally goes. Big names get tossed around by fans who talk themselves into splash signings.
But splash signings don’t happen and the front office waits for the market to cool off. That’s not exciting, but it is the lane they drive in.
So, a couple of weeks after the draft, I’m not looking for a superstar. I’m looking for cheap help that makes sense.
Free Agency Should Start at Offensive Tackle
If I’m making the first call, I’m starting at offensive tackle.
Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele haven’t been the best versions of themselves, but they aren’t getting replaced this season. However, I don’t love the idea of getting into August and hoping the tackle depth is good enough.
I like the addition of Drew Shelton in the draft as a developmental tackle, but relying on a rookie and young depth behind the starters can get sideways real quick if someone gets hurt.
That’s why I like Kendall Lamm. This kind of signing makes sense.
Lamm has played 132 career games, including 13 games for Miami in 2025. He isn’t flashy, but he’s been around and gives the offensive line a veteran safety net.
Nobody will be throwing a parade for a swing tackle in May, but if he has to play snaps in November, you’ll be glad he’s here.
Defensive Line Insurance
I don’t think the defensive line is a panic spot.
Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Jonathan Bullard, Otito Ogbonnia, and rookie LT Overton give this team several bodies up front. Overton is especially interesting because he can move around and play multiple spots across the line.
Still, I’d keep the phone handy for a cheap run-stopper.
Foley Fatukasi had 8 tackles and 1.5 sacks in four games for Houston in 2025. I’m not selling him as a game-wrecker, but he could be a veteran rotational piece who can eat snaps, hold up against the run, and keep the linebackers clean.
If the price is right, I’m at least making the call.
Another Edge Rusher Could Help
I like the edge group more than some people probably do.
Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, rookie Malachi Lawrence, James Houston, Sam Williams, and Marist Liufau give the defense plenty to work with in a 3-4 look.
But pass rush is one spot where I don’t mind being greedy.
That’s why Dawuane Smoot is a name I’d keep circled. Smoot finished 2025 with 23 tackles and 2 sacks in 17 games for Jacksonville. That’s not superstar production, but for a veteran rotational player, I can work with it.
I need him to compete, set the edge, and make the bottom of the rotation better.
A Veteran Running Back Room Fit
Running back isn’t a five-alarm fire, but I would like one more veteran starter.
I like the upside of Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, and Phil Mafah, but Antonio Gibson brings something different.
Gibson had 25 carries for 106 yards and one touchdown. He also had a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown for New England, but the ACL injury may scare people. He should be cleared around training camp.
That matters.
This is a veteran player who can catch the ball, help on special teams, and give the offense another flexible piece. If he’s RB3, he can still help. If injuries hit, he has shown he’s capable of taking on more work.
Tim Patrick Makes Sense as a Veteran Receiver
I don’t think wide receiver is a need at all, but looking for camp bodies doesn’t hurt.
CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and rookie Anthony Smith give this room enough to work with.
But if the front office wants one more veteran receiver for camp, Tim Patrick makes sense.
Patrick had 15 catches for 187 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. He won’t change the offense, but he can compete at the bottom of the roster and give the coaching staff something else to look at.
Free Agency at this Point is About Depth
This is where I think the front office has to be smart and, if history tells us anything, they will be.
The draft gave this roster real pieces. Now it’s about finishing around the edges without getting wild with the checkbook.
That’s why Kendall Lamm, Foley Fatukasi, Dawuane Smoot, Antonio Gibson, and Tim Patrick make sense to me from a roster standpoint.
None of those moves would light up social media, and I’m good with that.
This roster doesn’t need to win the offseason at this point. It needs to be ready when injuries hit, young players need more time, and rotations get tested.
The Cowboys have star power. Now get more veteran support pieces.
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