This off-season has been one of the most successful in recent memory. The Cowboys had a very solid first week of free agency. They re-signed key players, such as Donovan Wilson and Leighton Vander Esch.
They also made a WELL-needed trade to get another star alongside of Trevon Diggs.
On late Tuesday afternoon, the Cowboys sent the 176th pick of the 2023 draft to the Indianapolis Colts for five-time Pro Bowl Corner Stephon Gilmore.
Corner and wide receiver — the two biggest needs going into this off-season.
They addressed one on the first week, getting a steal in Gilmore by only giving up a 5th-round pick.
Dallas lost Noah Brown to the Houston Texans. Their WR room was already thin, and now it became even thinner. Brown was the second-leading wideout on this team last season.
So it’s the first weekend of March Madness and I thought a nice post from me would be a more personal one.
I was born in 1996 and have seen four playoff wins in my lifetime. With that said, this is the FIRST time I have felt that this team actually wants to win.
The moves they have made from trading for Gilmore, releasing Ezekiel Elliott, and re-signing key players have shown me something.
End of an era: The #Cowboys have informed former NFL rushing champ Ezekiel Elliott that they are releasing him, per me and @TomPelissero. He’ll be designated as a post-June 1 release to create cap space. pic.twitter.com/QKZhkny76i
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023
It has shown me that maybe the team is listening, and not just settling for making the playoffs. They brought back key players for Dan Quinn’s defense and added to a glaring weakness.
I am waiting patiently for a move at wide receiver. Whether it is through trade, signing a free agent, or drafting someone.
I will be a full believer that this team truly wants to win if they address this situation within the next few months.
The window of this current team is coming to an end, and after this week, they are missing ONE piece.
The Cowboys were going to get themselves a Stephon Diggs ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. Stephon Gilmore and Trevon Diggs have a combined 46 career ints. The @dallascowboys now have 2 ball hawks who can change a game at the drop of a hat. Cowboys fans are already yelling “THIS IS OUR YEAR!”
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 14, 2023
The last time I saw this team make a move in the “win now” mode was when they signed Brandon Carr, and traded up for Morris Claiborne.
For the first time in a long time, I am actually really excited for a season to start.
This defense might be taken to the next level.
The offense needs someone alongside CeeDee Lamb and once they get it, they will be one of the best teams in football. (If you don’t think they are already).
I don’t know what the next move will be for the Cowboys, but I hope it’s on the offensive side of the football.
Adam Theilen and DJ Chark are my top two free-agent wide receivers left.
Odell Beckman wants too much money, and the likelihood they trade for DeAndre Hopkins is very minimal.
The first week just ended and they have already surpassed my expectations. I hope they keep this up because if they do maybe others will buy in.
I want this team to win so badly. The Joneses have made it really hard to cheer for this team for a long time because they rarely tried to improve any team that was close.
This year they have made me eat my words.
It’s time to put the finishing touches on this off-season.
I asked a few months ago when the talk would stop and the results would start. They have started. It’s time to finish the job.
I know this is the internet, but good lord, this reads like a first grader wrote it. Please go back to school and learn how to write properly..
Agreed, writer should’ve done some homework first, welcome to the new generation of “know-nothings”….yet, think they know everything.
You right Shawn it looks like the Joneses have finally decided to do what other teams are doing and go after proven players that can help you win right now! I hate to see EE go but his time has come to ride off into the sunset with his head held high because he was a darn good cowboy and I’m glad he played for us!! What I liked about EE he was tougher than a two dollar steak and he for the most part was a good ambassador for the boys! He was a man that didn’t follow the crowd when everybody was taking a knee and disrespecting our flag ! Thanks if Jerry can get a few guys in there like EE we will be all right!
You said everything right about EE accept taking the knee part. People who took a knee wasn’t disrespecting the flag they protesting how blacks were treated but it seems you like the brutality blacks taking like your father Trump loved it. Stick with the issue and quit advertising for Trump cause I bet u believe storming the Capital was respecting the FLAG also..IDIOT
Hey Cedric I am not going to call you a name while hiding behind a keyboard that’s usually what a coward would do ! I would like for you to ask several Combat Veterans what they think of players taking a knee and see what they think!As for Trump Believe it or not, I’m not a big fan of Trump, but I am going to vote for who ever stands against abortion and drag queens and homo sexuality, and open Borders also any other thing that poisons our young young people! I should have said that I am proud of the Cowboys as a whole for no cowboy has taken a knee before a game during the national anthem with the exception of the Carolina Panther that got a couple years ago which he didn’t last long! As for Jan the 6th the ones that caused trouble in my opinion should be prosecuted! I believe that everyone has a right to protest and make their feelings known but when they start throwing rocks and burning buildings and destroying property that people have worked hard, all their lives to pay for I don’t care if they are carrying A Trump flag or a BLM flag, if they start destroying things and causing chaos they should be shot on the spot. If that was the law I bet then protesters would protest peacefully! Anyway I hope the Cowboys can draft more players that are like EE!
Hey Cedric ask several combat veterans what they think about players who take a knee during the national anthem and see what they say! Also, I’m not going to call you a name hiding behind a keyboard. Believe it or not I am not really a big Trump fan but when it comes for standing up for the unborn, who don’t have a voice, I am going to vote for the one who says that they will stand against abortion. As far as January 6 goes I believe that those that committed crimes should be prosecuted, and I also believe that anyone that burns buildings in America or destroys of police cars and Destroys peoples businesses, black, and white should be prosecuted too! I guess we just disagree on something’s but maybe we can agree that we both would like to see the Cowboys in the Super Bowl anyway, that’s what this idiot would like!
Nah, they were disrespecting the flag. The dems you love to suck off are the ones who hate you blacks. Except when it’s time to vote
What a stupid headline.
We need receivers and now a running back
Susie Szymanski Podolak
I believe the WR position will be covered with the Cowboys’ first draft.
The only grudge I hold against Zeke was his holdout afew years ago. Though I could understand his reasoning behind it.
I hope this is the year. Nice written article Shawn !
ZEKE held out because Jerry promised him he would make him one of the highest paid back after what he did his first 3yrs and his contract was coming due. Look people Zeke earned that contract cause he was making only $2mil his first 3yrs and Jerry knew he would loose him. Don’t get upset n say Zeke didn’t deserve his big contract cause he did what the Cowboys asked of him and they ran him down n wore him out.
Hey James I agree ! I think EE knew that he was on the down turn and he played ole JJ like a radio to get that big contract! I guess in the long run we can’t blame him ! How many times have we seen these players get the money and then stop producing??
If they want to win Dak has to go!
Stacey Dodson
Some is an idiot
Dak is that dude
Keneth Fowler you left outtheone where her he’s first in interceptions.
Esequiel Puente Zeke and turn overs and no not the apple variety either
Keneth Fowler yeah you as he’s accurate. Dak is a choker. Deal with it.
Esequiel Puente Zeke first time for everything!! very uncharacteristic of him this past year. At the end of the day he had more touchdowns than picks
Keneth Fowler but why leave that out. Come on he even had more pick than Derek Carr. That’s pretty shitty if you ask me. He threw 10 in 2021 and 11 in 2019.
Keneth Fowler at the end of the season. Same old CRAP. DAK can’t win in the playoffs. !!! he is a loser !!
Stacey Dodson and Jerry Jones
Keneth Fowler and still was out in the first round
Stacey Dodson and what is your solution for a replacement? It’s easy to identify a problem the hard part is finding the solution. Getting rid of Dak will put us in qb limbo for a decade. And it would cost too much dead money to cut him. Salary cap makes it impossible to get rid of this year
Victor Narvaez I would trade some draft picks for a more favorable draft position and draft a top tier prospect. We’re stuck with Dak for at least another year. But he not the answer. He has had 6 years to prove he is the man and hasn’t done so. Time to cut your losses! Trade him if someone will take him!
Stacey Dodson there would be no shortage of takers for him and so you think Cooper Rush is the solution?
Larry Radneyidiot it’s eleven against eleven stupid ass F
Keneth Fowler Dak just part of it!!! Cowboys have been losers ever since Jimmy left nothing Will change. Untill Jerry is gone!!!
Go get bobby Wagner
Nicholas Leonard Gotto yea he is dumb hop said he take a pay cut to play for Dallas
Eric Harris one trade and the guy thinks he’s the elite but ditching zeke was a good call now if they can convince the band of brother that it’s a football team not just 4 player they’d prob be a really good team but qbs that get locked on there buddy is the demise of a team
If Jerry jones would leave the picture things would get a lot better.
LarryandKarla Mabry Wilson not happening. Get it through your head!! Jerry isn’t selling and his kids will take over after he is gone. Accept it or get another team with a better owner in your eyes
Victor Narvaez been in my head for along time, you ain’t breaking anything new to me, moved on from them along time ago, im just stating a fact.
LarryandKarla Mabry Wilson Hope I live to see it…
From America’s Team to Jerry’s Kids…..
LarryandKarla Mabry Wilson been saying that for years
LarryandKarla Mabry Wilson ,MR.WILSON,HE NEVER WANTS TO LEAVE THE PICTURE, HE THINKS HE CAN STILL MAKE ANOTHER BILLION DOLLARS AND GET 3 MORE SUPER BOWL RINGS, HE JUST WANTS TO MAKE FUN OF THE COWBOYS FOR THEM TO KEEP ON LOSING, HE GETS A KICK,OF LOSING GAMES,THATS WHY TOWARDS THE END OF ANOTHER LOSING SEASON HE ALWAYS SAYS, ‘DONT WORRY ABOUT IT NEXT YEAR WILL BE OUR YEAR ‘, JERRY JONES IS A CRAZY, JOKESTER,,
LarryandKarla Mabry Wilson that’s the issue
We need a good QB with a great OL!!!!
Jerry u say that every year!!! What new.
Amen
They always want to win, they just can’t
So, just confirms what we thought all along: winning wasnt a priority. Thanks
Alejandro Mario Almada Leatherneck Deliberate journalistic hyperbole doesn’t confirm anything of the sort.
They won’t win.
Get some depth on the o line and a RB with a receiver, and replace Shultz, and we will be legit, but we still got Philly to contend with.
If Jerry wants to win step down hire a GM and let the coach hire his staff
Dewayne Warren absolutely true
Dewayne Warren if you owned the team would you step down?
Dewayne Warren he needs to step Down….he is 80 years old…..we need a new owner and a real GM no doubt!!!!!!
Dewayne Warren that’s adorable that you think that the GM, the Coach, or the staff is what is holding the team back from winning.
Victor Narvaez crickets on the question. The answer is hell no.
Dewayne Warren darn Right
Darin Chandler Ask yourself whats the common dominator for the past 30 yrs?
Victor Narvaez Hell no he makes money no matter what he puts on the field!!
Debbie Petty Hicks I don’t have to, the common denominator is obvious.
Omar Garza that’s adorable that you think that “dak” is the weakest link.
Darin Chandler what was we winning before Dak showed up….guess who always been there since Jimmy left
Omar Garza who was the weakest link before Dak showed up…. what was your complaint then
Omar Garza how many QBs or coaches we have to go through before you can see who is the real problem
Dewayne Warren Only one and is the Weaknesses Link yes your Dak. That’s the real problem.
Dewayne Warren No one until the weaknesses Link dak shows up and maybe he and his buddy Diva zeke con the Old Blind Fart with more money.
Dewayne Warren Exactly!!!!
Dewayne Warren Nope don’t confuse me with you, Your the one making all the excuses for the weaknesses Link, Maybe your the one crying. They let the Greedy diva go your Weaknesses Link is Next. So you better start crying.
Well that’s Jerry’s answer too
Debbie Petty Hicks EXACTLY!!!!
Dewayne Warren so agree
Dewayne Warren no going to win with Jerry s crazy ego trying to hang on to Dak an justify that damn contract needs to let him go but want Dak n Jerry an Stephen is the damn problem
Omar Garza you do know you can change the channel on your TV and you don’t have to watch the Cowboys rite, since you complain about them so much.
Darin Chandler It’s adorable that anyone who has watched this organization for the last 30 years could sanely think otherwise
Dewayne Warren the unfortunate thing for Cowboy fans is that you’re gonna have to wait for Jerry to die before that happens. Guy seems to have the biggest ego in the NFL.
20 years of getting my hopes up. Maybe law of averages will prevail.
Same old jerry and Stephen tell everyone that they are going to do something and they never get anyone dak sucks we have no players that will help win those two are the biggest pieces of trash I could say alot more but everyone that’s a cowboys fan knows
Tf have they done to say that? Restructured some contracts and got a solid corner opposite Diggs. Just a normal off season for other teams.
You’re full of shit .
They are making some good moves
hel no thet kept dak its all a write off
Nicole Hornak DC odd that the team did better without him. You ever wonder why the defense was better last year despite losing randy Gregory? It’s because they had the cap room to sign good defensive role players ie. Fowler, LVE, Kearse etc.
You can pretend to know the game all you want but the 20 million per year was better spent else where and it showed seeing as the 2022 cowboys were better than the 2021 cowboys.
About time… saying
Not with the curse that narcissist brought on the team that can only be cancelled if he fires himself from the GM position.
Tim Burpo Jerry Jones won 2 Superbowls with Jimmy Johnson and Troy Aikman.
How many has he won in the last 29 years? And that was part of what brought the curse on..that it was Jimmie Johnson that was the reason they won those Superbowls and his arrogant ego couldn’t take it. BTW Tom Landy had more Superbowl appearances in the 29 years he coached than what Jerry has.
Tim Burpo it’s not the GM position from he needs to fire himself.
Will McClay and dan quinn. Thank you very much. Jerry didn’t do sh..
Oh build the hope so they buy our gear…
https://www.facebook.com/100000527325233/posts/6626170757410436/?sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6
GTFOH ITS BEEN 27 YRS PLUS!!!
Then get a run stopper!
I’m confused. They trade a 5th for Gilmore and we all giving them too much credit. They’ve always resigned their own, and that’s all they’ve done so far.
Anthony Dancer exactly
Not really. Dak is still the QB
I don’t care who they get or get rid of, UNTIL WACK DAK IS GONE, WE’LL NEVER GO ANYWHERE!!!
Michael Honeycutt go find another team of whose qb you approve of and save you and everyone else your misery? Dak isn’t going anywhere and if you understood the business side of the game you would understand why
Michael Honeycutt never went anywhere Pre- Dak & Post Troy (Jimmy) Era… So, no.
Michael Honeycutt Every player in the NFL has holes in his game. Dak’s is, he needs a better offensive line. Or does his gaudy stats and wins when he is relatively unmolested get past your eagle eye?
Picks are not the end all. Romo threw picks in bushel baskets. But a team whose brain trust goes to war with Cee Dee, Schultz, and a healing Gallup and nothing better, while the offensive line erodes during the season is what was put on the field.
The 9ers game showed the world that the Dallas offense wasn’t balanced before Pollard went down and extremely unbalanced after. Yet Dallas was in the game until the beginning of the fourth quarter.
The next week you saw the 9ers – the darlings of the league – become unbalanced when their Wonder Boy went down and they could not mount any type of offense. And this was with the statistically best defense in the league.
Maybe learn the nuances of this game and not judge because your feelings got hurt when the season went south. Two 12 win seasons in a row. Some people don’t appreciate what they have.
Michael Leath more excuses for duk lol
John Why Uwannaknow Whik I always love talking with people who just started watching professional football for the first time and show their confusion.
Michael Honeycutt very well said my friend, I’ve been telling the same thing to other’s on here…..
Michael Honeycutt if they were smart they should have picked up Jimmy G.
Michael Honeycutt Prescot either throws behind or over the head of the receivers , Mr inconsistent ,even with a great defense you can’t overcome 2 picks a game
Michael Honeycutt exactly!!!
Michael Honeycutt People like you don’t have the slightest fucking idea what you’re talking about. You are impervious to the fact that for the last two years Kellen Moore’s stupid ass has been trying to make Dak a pocket passer, which he isn’t.
He does his best when he is allowed to improvise to buy time. Sure, he has to throw from the pocket some but when the protection breaks down, he needs to buy time with his legs, not attempt to step up and set up with the rush in his face.
Also the lack of a true #2 WR was a problem as well.
Michael Honeycutt
Yeah they said the same thing about, Troy , and Romo
Michael Honeycutt I call him Dak the Hack, great guy soso QB
Michael Leath maybe your expectations are lower than mine ,especially when you get paid twice as much in a hour than I’ve made in my life time
Wayne Willis Troy has 3 super bowl rings ,how many does Prescot have?
Michael Honeycutt and replace him with who?
Wayne Willis they said that about Troy! The man won 3 super bowls!!
Michael Leath two 12 win seasons and exactly what to show for it? Oh yea one division win. Wow.
Steve Moore
Yeah and every time he had a bad couple games all the fair weather fans wanted to get rid of him.
Michael Honeycutt wait, didn’t you hear Jerry, Dak is just like Tom Brady!
Wayne Willis yep that is why he was 1 of the big 3. With Emit and Irvine.
Michael Leath
Exactly right…Dallas had holes, all over for a timing ran offense. There was enough, reasons all around , just to blame one player.
Michael Honeycutt he panics in pressure… if he can’t find his no1 receiver … he chokes and makes stupid decisions… he needs to go
Michael Honeycutt find another team dude!! And pick one with a QB you like
Victor Narvaez you can’t trade an unwashed qb that has a huge price tag!
Michael Honeycutt he’s gonna prove you guys wrong! They are finally filling in the pieces, you guys talk as if he’s the only quarterback that lost in the playoffs
Adolfo Espinoza Dak has had a monster team for years, but the man keeps shitting the bed, what the hell gives you the impression that Dak will be able to read a defense or throw a spiral?
Joseph Durant Spoken like a true Dak nut hugger!!!
Wayne Willis Knowone EVER said this about TROY!! WTF!
Adolfo Espinoza they don’t even know the game
Michael Honeycutt we will see about that!! I can’t understand how people can question Dak as a qb with his record of wins! Is it just the superbowl that has people questioning his ability? If that’s what it is than you don’t know to much about football!! Now for a qb to be in the top 5 for interceptions and still I say again still have a record of 12-5 for two seasons back to back really doesn’t make him a no good qb. If that’s your analysis of a bad qb than you need to stop watching football and go to volleyball!! Question!! How many QBs in the league went 12-5 back to back?? And you’re not questioning them?? Your problem is not Dak its just not knowing anything about football!!
That’s facts!! You just don’t like the man that’s all that is you’re a jealous hippo
Nut that sukka!!
John Soffa
Yes they did!
Emilio Moe Menchaca again so did the bills quarterback, the chargers, Bengals they are way better quarterbacks than Dak! And still they lost, Dakota wasn’t on defense when the 49rs scored, that’s why you play the game
Michael Honeycutt didn’t win with Romo either
Adolfo Espinoza you just mentioned a few QB’s that you yourself said were better than Dak, not only did you say they were better you said they were way better than Dak, so I’m confused, why are you defending Dak?
Adolfo Espinoza Pay attention Adolfo, Dak sucks!!!
Michael Honeycutt yeah ok just find another team dude me personally I feel for Dak because he’s being screwed by Jerry
Michael Honeycutt real talk fam!!
Ray Banfield Jr. Nah…200 yds and 2 TDs every game isn’t the answer. He’s consistent I’ll give him that but he’s not productive enough to compete for a SB win
Michael Honeycutt do you really know the percentage or the chance of winning a superbowl? Sure it’s about winning a superbowl yet the team wins a superbowl not just a qb! Everyone hung up on Dak like he can throw catch run and score all at the same time! You and others like you are just upset because the man getting paid!! Get over it!! Jerry has to fix a few things in order to win a superbowl!! I won’t go into what need to happen because you wouldn’t understand anyway!! Have a bless day!
Derwin Willis
27 years, still not one guys fault
Yea let’s hope so
Won’t win with Dak and McCarthy still there……
Darin Chandler lol right
Omg where is the quarter back. Lol
That’s right we don’t have a Star.a choker ugggg
No as they’re extending Dak’s contract. Tells me they’re desperate to save face than anything. They’ll fail miserably but that’s Jerry’s way
They signed one FA????? Really wow!!!
Nah
Yawn. Jerrah just wants fan money…keep paying him kids.
Chris Warren All he has to do is dangle a carrot in front of them.
Chris Warren that’s all Jerry cares about his money. He doesn’t care about football or the fans, regardless of what lies he says
Philip Hill bland
Shane:
Great article as I wholeheartedly agree with your analysis.
Don’t forget legit DT in your wish list!
Keep up the good work and don’t let’s haters detract you!
Be good!
tb
I see this every year!!! Sure Jerry talks big. But nothing will happen as long a DAK is QB. It’s that simple!!!
Larry Radney all you Dak haters say get rid of Dak and all our problems will go away. So what alternative do you propose? See it’s not as simple as that. That’s just a standard answer by the average fan
I can agree with that statement making the defense a priority is a sign of a championship team and even though I don’t like the Zeke move. I totally believe we have a QB that can win a Superbowl (he’s better than Dilfer) and add a D Hop and get a RB that we can trust in the red zone and pass protect and get short tough third down yards like Zeke this defense will be a “BEAST”. The Cowboys are definitely on the right track.
Zeke was the red zone back
Lance Horowitz I know
Wanting is one thing but doing is something you can,t do
Nicole Hornak DC you don’t want ODB. He is trouble and has had knee cut on 2 times!!! He won’t last 17 games!!!!
What a delusional and idiotic statement this post is…
I don’t know anyone who feels this way. Jerry Jones needs to hire a GM who knows football.
We’ll know if they get a big name receiver and also sign Dalton then I can be sure. Still have a ways to go. I know Jerry questioned Philly going all in for one shot but maybe he’s envious and is finally going all in for a short window