After sitting out the first wave of free agency, the Dallas Cowboys finally dipped their toes in the free agent pool and signed linebacker Joe Thomas and wide receiver Deonte Thompson.
Signing these two free agents will be viewed as somewhat insignificant moves by the majority of Cowboys fans, but it does prove that the organization isn’t sitting on their hands. In fact, they have been bringing in a number of free agents for visits, but haven’t been able to close the deal with any of them as of yet.
We are still about a month away from the start of the 2018 NFL Draft, which means the Dallas Cowboys will more than likely sign a few more free agents. They would like to fill as many holes as possible heading into the draft so that they aren’t pigeonholed by any specific position.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the next move the Dallas Cowboys could make in free agency and the positions they could be targeting.
Safety
It’s no secret that the Dallas Cowboys are interested in upgrading the safety position. There is a definite hole to fill now that Byron Jones is moving back to cornerback and I wouldn’t be surprised if Jeff Heath’s job is secure either.
This is why the most popular topic of discussion this offseason has centered on the possible acquisition of Earl Thomas. Unfortunately, the Seattle Seahawks asking price is simply too high and likely means the Thomas and Cowboys union is nothing more than a pipe dream.
But, there are still several free agent safeties who they could show an interest in and could upgrade the position. Tre Boston, Kenny Vaccaro, and Eric Reid are all still available on the open market and could come in and be immediate upgrades for the Cowboys.
Personally, Tre Boston is the safety I would target if I were the Dallas Cowboys. He had a breakout season in 2017 as a member of the San Diego Chargers in Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme. Bradley’s scheme is similar to the way Kris Richard will use the Cowboys secondary players.
Offensive Line
The Dallas Cowboys have already brought in several offensive lineman free agents, which would indicate they are serious about not only finding a new starting left guard, but adding some much-needed depth. Their lack of depth really hurt them in 2017 and they definitely don’t want that to happen again moving forward.
Marcus Martin, Cameron Fleming, and LaAdrian Waddle have all reportedly met with the Dallas Cowboys. Martin and Fleming are currently still free agents, but Waddle recently re-signed with the New England Patriots.
Both Marcus Martin and Cameron Fleming makes sense for the Cowboys and would be a welcomed addition to the roster. Martin would likely take over Joe Looney’s role as the backup center/guard, but could compete for the starting LG position. Fleming could start at right tackle, but would also be an immediate upgrade at the swing tackle position
There are other options still available, but hopefully something can materialize with Marcus Martin and Cameron Fleming.
Defensive Tackle
The Dallas Cowboys currently have enough bodies to deploy along the defensive line if the 2018 season were to start today, but they could definitely stand to upgrade the 1-technique. It’s one of the reasons why Vita Vea has been mocked to the Dallas Cowboys as a potential first-round pick on a regular basis.
The Cowboys have shown in the past that they don’t particularly value the 1-tech position very highly, which means they will likely be bargain shopping in free agency and possibly wait until the middle rounds to draft one.
There are a few free agent DTs who I believe they should target, Jonathan Hankins and Bennie Logan. Both players would definitely be an upgrade over what the Cowboys deployed last season and probably won’t break the bank to acquire.
Unfortunately, they might not be very high on Hankins since he wasn’t even on their draft board back in 2013, but he still makes sense nonetheless. I believe they had a third-round grade on Logan however, so they could still be interested in bringing him aboard. Regardless, finding another big-bodied/space eating DT in free agency could be a priority.
Linebacker
The Dallas Cowboys already added some much-needed depth by signing Joe Thomas, but I don’t think they should stop there. Thomas is more of a weak side linebacker, but the Cowboys could still definitely use someone to backup the middle and strong side positions behind Jaylon Smith and Damien Wilson.
Unfortunately, the linebacker position has been depleted significantly already in free agency. The only option that really makes sense is Navorro Bowman, who the Cowboys showed interested in bringing aboard last season after he was released by the San Francisco 49ers.
If the Dallas Cowboys were somehow able to convince Bowman in signing, then they would likely have already improved not only the depth, but talent from last season. Add another rookie LB at some point in the draft, and the weakness suddenly becomes a strength.
The Cowboys are reported to have an interest in Bowman, but that’s as far as it’s gone so far. It might be time to make something happen before someone else snatches him up.
Not sure how much room Da Boys have under the cap or what moves are still left to make. In FA, in my dream world, we sign Fleming as the swing OT, we sign either Vacarro or Boston, both for 1-2 year deals. Bowman would be awesome but not sure we have the money. .. .
The Cowboys can still create more cap space if needed and I think they can realistically sign any of those players mentioned.
I’m sure we have space for 1. . ..maybe 2 but can we sign Boston/Vacarro and Bowman and Fleming???
And hopefully they do that without creating more problems down the road . . .contracts to Romo Dez and Crawford are killing us right now.
I think it’s definitely doable. It may mean that someone like Cole Beasley ends up getting cut, but it can be done.
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But be they 4 contracts they can restructure and free up a lot to sign those players and we need a young strong tight end witten is getting slower love him though
There are ways to create more cap space. Re-signing Martin will help and cutting players like Cole Beasley and James Hanna would free up more money as well. You could throw Jason Witten’s name in there as well, but I think that’s unlikely this season. Extending Dez Bryant would be another possibility. Things aren’t quite as bleak as they look. It’s just a matter of making tough decisions on a few players.
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I look for Big D to cut Beasley since we have RS to take over those duties and also be our KR&PR. IMO that would be the smartest choice because I believe William’s would cost to much to cut this yr and Dez would be 8 mil dead money hit but with Hurns coming in to see what he looks like Dez may still be cut…. With the draft being in Big D I believe we will make a splash in the draft and it may include trading up for James @ Safety or Smith @ LB and or trade down and grab Hernandez @ LG or Leighton Vander Esch @LB or simply trade for Earl Thomas! We need someone big time at Safety and Thomas and James are 2 that can provide that.
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Brian called it. Martin and Fleming are now Cowboys. What a difference a few days makes. These 2 signings may be more significant than the Hurns’ signing, especially concerning the direction the Boys now could take in the draft. Do you see a competition between Chaz and Martin for starting Guard? I ask because Collins is being paid like a Tackle and it looks like Fleming can be a much improved Swing T, replacing Chaz.
Going back to your article, can you give your thoughts on how the Boys will address Safety with Byron going to CB. Do you see them moving up to get Derwin James? He can play LB, CB, and Safety. Is he worth the jump or do you think the Cowboys will use a later round to address Safety? If the Boys wait, who do you see as a Safety in this draft, that fits their needs? Do you think Earl Thomas is still a consideration?
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Sign Boston to pair with Woods/Heath, then call it an off-season till the draft.