How many jobs do you think the Dallas Cowboys have up for grabs prior to making any offseason moves? Five… Ten… More? In order to get to the bottom of this question you’d have to go position by position to pencil in the players currently under contract. Luckily for you, I’ve already done just that.
Believe it or not, but the Dallas Cowboys don’t have too many starting jobs up for grabs. Yes, they could stand to upgrade a few positions, but for the most part they do have the players to start at most positions. Don’t believe me? Well, take a look for yourself…
OFFENSE
Quarterback:
The Dallas Cowboys seem bound and determined to bring back Dak Prescott for better or worse. Until that’s made official either via a long-term extension or another franchise tag though it means the starting gig is there for the taking.
Running Back:
Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard give the Dallas Cowboys a pretty good one-two punch in the backfield. I don’t foresee any changes here even though there’s a lot of speculation Zeke could be traded sometime this offseason.
Wide Receiver:
With Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup playing on the outside and CeeDee Lamb in the slot, there are no questions as to who will be the Dallas Cowboys starting wide receivers in 2021. You can ink them in as starters without any hesitation.
Tight End:
With Blake Jarwin returning from injury and Dalton Schultz’s emergence in 2020, the Dallas Cowboys have two capable starting tight ends for the 2021 season. The only question here is how these two will coexist/split playing time?
Offensive Line:
The Dallas Cowboys should have their starting five in Tyron Smith, Connor Williams, Tyler Biadasz, Zack Martin, and La’el Collins. There shouldn’t be any starting jobs up for grabs here unless either Tyron Smith or La’el Collins aren’t able to recover from their injuries for whatever reason.
DEFENSE
Defensive Tackle:
Either Trysten Hill or Neville Gallimore will likely take over as the starter as the 3-technique, but who starts as the 1-tech is a little less clear. Antwaun Woods has dibs on the job right now, however, he will likely be challenged for the starting gig by either a free agent or rookie addition.
Defensive End:
DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory should give the Dallas Cowboys a pair of really good defensive ends. There are concerns about counting on Gregory as a starter, but if he can keep his nose clean so to speak he could be a really dangerous weapon opposite D-Law.
Linebacker:
Switching back to a 4-3 defensive scheme the Dallas Cowboys need three starting linebackers, right now they have two in Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. I could be wrong, but I think the WILL LB job is up for grabs and I’m not positive SAM and MLB aren’t either.
Cornerback:
Trevon Diggs will start as one of the Dallas Cowboys outside cornerbacks, but the starting job opposite him is currently vacant. Although not really considered a starter, Anthony Brown will once again take over as the nickel/slot CB.
Safety:
Donovan Wilson deserves a shot to start at strong safety, although that has yet to be seen. The free safety job however is completely up for grabs. Depending on what the Cowboys think of Wilson they could have one, possibly two jobs open.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker:
Greg Zuerlein currently holds the starting gig as a Dallas Cowboys kicker. Unless he somehow becomes a salary cap casualty, it’s unlikely that changes heading into 2021.
Punter:
Hunter Niswander emerged in 2020 for the Dallas Cowboys, making Chris Jones expendable and more than likely a salary-cap casualty.
Long Snapper:
L.P. Ladouceur is currently a free agent, meaning the Dallas Cowboys don’t have a starting long snapper under contract for the first time in years. This job is up for grabs, but it’s probably Ladouceur’s if he wants it.
