Although constantly bashed, the Dallas Cowboys' front office has done a good job the last few days by adding some free agents who will really help the team's cause in 2018. They've added players to help on offense, defense and special teams.
It's hard to say they're not doing a great job by turning their offseason around in this second wave of free agency, but the biggest upgrade comes without a single doubt at the wide receiver position. One of the most pressing needs in the team was clearly in the receiving department and the Cowboys' front office handled it as well as we could've hoped.
Despite having some very well-known names in the WR room, the truth is that Dak Prescott's offense needed a new, fresh guy to provide this group a much-needed spark.
Dez Bryant has struggled to get back to his old self, Cole Beasley failed to replicate his 2016 monster season last year when he started facing double-teams constantly, and Terrance Williams has yet to prove he can be a reliable target on a consistent basis.
Now, the Cowboys are bringing in the former Jaguar WR Allen Hurns in an effort to create the “Dak-friendly offense” we've all been talking about.
Naturally, everyone in Cowboys Nation is happy about the move. Year after year, we see a conservative approach to free agency and how some big time players never even look like a target for the front office.
This time, though, America's Team stole Allen Hurns for a very friendly two-year deal that's only worth up to $12M.
Allen Hurns has officially signed the deal with the Cowboys. The two-year deal is worth up to $12 million and includes a $2.5 million signing bonus that is the only guaranteed money. Hurns will count $4.375 million against the cap in 2018. https://t.co/YMo0hMZP22
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 24, 2018
Even though many fans are convinced Hurns is the replacement for Dez Bryant, that doesn't seem to be the case. It really shouldn't be. While Bryant hasn't really justified his salary hit, the truth is the Cowboys don't get any better on the field without him.
If we stick to football here, this team's offense has the opportunity to be one of the league's best if Hurns and Bryant can be on the field at the same time. As mentioned earlier, Hurns will be the spark this team definitely needs.
Teams will now have a hard time double-teaming Beasley, Bryant or Hurns while also being concerned about the game-changer that the Cowboys have in the running game with Ezekiel Elliott.
Bryant's deal is definitely not team-friendly, but what was a great acquisition by the Cowboys could end up as a downgrade if they part ways with #88.
Adding Deonte Thompson didn't stop WR from being a top need for the team, but Hurns did. With this signing, Dallas gets flexibility in the NFL Draft and can now stop thinking about Calvin Ridley or DJ Moore at 19.
They could still try to find another guy in later rounds, but WR with a Day 1 or 2 pick may be out of the question now.
Terrance Williams' contract provides him with job security. Due to his contract numbers, it's unlikely to see Dallas releasing him. However, could they get something for him if they decide to trade him? Probably not much, but if he remains a Cowboy, it's tough to see him getting a lot of playing time.
Cole Beasley, whether we like it or not, provides the team with a dilemma. Ryan Switzer may not be as productive and as good as he is, but he sure looks like Beasley's clone and a guy who could easily replace him if the Cowboys decide to trade Beasley.
With Hurns on the team, they should really be looking at both Williams and Beasley as trade ammunition. What if you get really good value out of them?
The wide receiver room will be the most interesting this offseason for the Dallas Cowboys. There are some really talented players there that will have this coaching staff making some really, really tough decisions.
However, as far as wide receiver is concerned, they should be really comfortable right now. When “decision time” comes, it'll be about who are the best guys, not the worst.
