How the Cowboys can fill major roster holes in free agency without breaking the bank

The Dallas Cowboys have remained mostly competitive over the past decade or so, only being bad enough to pick in the top 10 of the NFL draft once. It was that magical rookie season for both QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott where Zeke was chosen fourth overall.

For the most part, as long as the starting quarterback stays healthy, the Cowboys are consistently in the mix for division championships and playoff appearances.

The 2024 season was an outlier. Even with a healthy Prescott, the Cowboys could not keep up with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders in their own division, much less with other teams in the NFC.

While the draft provides an opportunity to add young talent, free agency is key to addressing immediate needs and strengthening depth on the roster.

Yesterday, we took a look at what the Cowboys being “selectively aggressive” in free agency could look like to upgrade the defense. Judging by how Stephen Jones operates, it’s entirely possible a couple of those contracts are too rich for him.

In the thick of the 2025 NFL offseason, the Cowboys have a few key areas where they could use a boost, and our friend @OutlawCowboyNFL is at it again with the contract projections.

This time, his goal was to fill glaring holes in the roster before the draft, which would allow the Cowboys to draft freely without being forced to target a specific position in the draft.

The Cowboys usually do this with bargain bin free agents, but Outlaw used his advanced analytics machine to identify five positions and five players who not only fill needs, but can excel in their roles.

Understanding the Exercise

These projected contracts are not bargain bin numbers, but they also won’t make Stephen Jones squirm in his seat and clutch his checkbook.

Outlaw used Spotrac.com once again for their market value projections. Then, he utilized the average guaranteed money percentage for the top-30 players at their respective positions.

These free agents aren’t your usual Dollar Store clearance bin guys. They are good at football, and would be immediate upgrades to what the Cowboys currently have at those positions.

The cherry on top of this free agency sundae is that the cap hit for the five players combined is roughly just $26 million per season.

In Outlaw’s own words, a pre-draft free agency like this (listed below) would not only be extremely affordable, but would help to avoid having to reach for specific positions once draft day arrives.

S Talanoa Hufanga

Projected Contract: 3 years, $35.7M ($18.5M GTD)

While Dallas has decent depth at the safety position, they lack an elite playmaker who can contribute both in coverage and against the run. Enter Talanoa Hufanga.

Hufanga has emerged as one of the top safeties in the NFL during his time with the San Francisco 49ers.

The 2022 1st Team All-Pro has a natural ability to read the game and has been known for his ball-hawking skills, with seven career interceptions.

Hufanga’s versatility allows him to play both deep and in the box if needed, a skill set that could boost DC Matt Eberflus’ defense on the back end.

CB Charvarius Ward

Projected Contract: 3 years, $45.8M ($27.9M GTD)

While the Cowboys boast one of the league’s most dynamic cornerback tandems in 1st Team All-Pros Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, the position remains a question mark.

Diggs is in rehabilitation after a serious knee surgery that could keep him out of the 2025 season altogether.

Bland is entering the final year of his contract, and with the way the Cowboys drag their feet, he might price himself out of their range by the end of the season.

A proven, consistent veteran would be a breath of fresh air for the defense, and that’s where CB Charvarius Ward comes in.

Ward, who has been a steady presence in the secondary for both the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, brings leadership and experience to the table.

His physicality and ability to make plays on the ball are exactly what the Cowboys need to replace with Diggs sidelined.

Signing Ward to pair with Bland would ensure the Cowboys still enter 2025 with one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL.

G Will Hernandez

Projected Contract: 2 years, $8.5M ($3.8M GTD)

The Cowboys aren’t the offensive line we saw from 2014-2019, but they are a young group eager to improve, and they showed improvement towards the end of 2024.

They are even younger now that RG Zack Martin has retired, and he leaves shoes too large for anyone to fill, but the Cowboys still have to try.

Hello, RG Will Hernandez.

Hernandez is a seasoned veteran who is strong and physical, and who excels in both the run game and pass protection. He is also versatile enough to fit in any interior spot on the offensive line, providing valuable depth and flexibility.

DT Teair Tart

Projected Contract: 2 years, $10.1M ($4.6M GTD)

Despite using a 1st round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Mazi Smith and signing DT Osa Odighizuwa to a contract extension this past week, the Cowboys still shouldn’t be satisfied with their defensive tackle rotation.

Teair Tart is a disruptive presence in the middle of the line, known for his strength and ability to collapse the pocket. He can play both the 1-technique and 3-technique positions, which would give DC Matt Eberflus flexibility in his front seven.

Tart’s ability to clog running lanes while also contributing as a pass rusher would make him a valuable asset to the Cowboys’ defense.

LB Robert Spillane

Projected Contract: 2 years, $20.7M ($13.5M GTD)

Finally, the Cowboys could use a boost at linebacker, particularly in terms of depth and veteran leadership.

LB Robert Spillane would add much-needed depth to the linebacker corps, providing a veteran presence alongside young players like DeMarvion Overshown and Marist Liufau.

Signing Spillane would give the Cowboys insurance against Overshown’s injury while adding a tough, reliable player to their defensive front.

This move would also free up the Cowboys to focus on other positions, knowing they have a solid linebacker group in place.