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27 Cowboys Free Agents and Whether or Not They Should Be Brought Back

Umito November 22, 2024

The Dallas Cowboys brought the group together for one last attempt at glory and it didn’t go well. Faced with a ton of decisions during the 2024 offseason, Jerry Jones and the front office decided against making any long-term investments early in the spring. Instead, they let their coaching staff, almost all in the final years of their contracts, navigate summer work with giant question marks over the heads of their two most offensive weapons. most important, QB Dak Prescott and WR CeeDee Lamb.

The Joneses waited until after training camp to sign these two to long-term deals, but the damage was done. The inactivity of the offseason has served as an infection, rotting the 2024 season from the inside. Now, with only seven games remaining on the schedule, Dallas will play the series. It’s almost assured that Mike McCarthy and his staff will be replaced, making decisions regarding the 27 free agents on the current roster more difficult to project. The next personnel will have a say in matters, but as anyone who follows the Cowboys knows, it’s not the final word.

Here’s a look at who will hit free agency in March 2025 and whether or not Dallas should consider locking them up to make next year’s roster.

RG Zack Martin

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 30: Zack Martin #70 of the Dallas Cowboys leaves the field after a victory against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

The future first-ballot Hall of Famer will have $27 million in dead money spread out over 2025 ($10 million) and 2026 ($17 million) if not extended beyond this next campaign.

To bring back? If he doesn’t retire, let him find a team that wants to win.

BY DeMarcus Lawrence

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 8: DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 8, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The 32-year veteran with 10 years of experience will have a dead cap hit of $7.5 million in 2025 unless he returns to the team.

To bring back? How come he’s not in Washington the first week of March? But otherwise, yes, bring back DLaw.

WR Brandin Cooks

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 23: Brandin Cooks #3 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after a touchdown during the game against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Cooks will also be counting on the 2025 cap hit of $4 million due to his void year which was used to hide the cap hit.

To bring back? No.

RB Rico Dowdle

December 24, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, United States; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) rushes with the ball during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

To bring back? If it’s possible. Get the line right and his measurements indicate he’s a capable starter, or at minimum a guy in tandem with a mid-round draft pick.

WR Kavontae Turpin (RFA)

October 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, United States; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (9) reacts after returning a punt for a touchdown that was called back due to a penalty in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

To bring back? Yes, he absolutely should receive a 2nd round qualifying offer. But find him a coordinator who isn’t afraid to use him.

DT Osa Odighizuwa

July 31, 2023; Oxnard, California, United States; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

He hasn’t broken out statistically yet, but a strong 2024 could lead to untold riches that Dallas might not be willing to offer in 2025.

To bring back? This is perhaps the most difficult. OO97 continually tops the interior roster, but with so much talent, never converting that into sacks makes it seem like his pressure numbers are the result of their work, but the cause of their profit. I would let him walk.

Quarterback Trey Lance

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 30: Quarterback Trey Lance #15 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

So much walking and talking with Lance and the fact that he’s not performing despite Prescott being on set for two weeks.

To bring back? For $3 million or less.

QB Cooper Rush

August 19, 2023; Seattle, Washington, United States; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Punter Bryan Anger

November 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, United States; Dallas Cowboys punter Bryan Anger (5) during warmups before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

To bring back? No, too expensive. The four of them should go anyway.

CB Jourdan Lewis

November 4, 2019; East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (27) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Lewis returned with a one-year contract to continue his career in Dallas. Will he return with a fourth contract with the Cowboys? Lewis is one of those players who has excelled under every team. He should be one of those guys who’s like, “I can’t believe he has to stay with Dallas for life.”

To bring back? Yes.

LB Eric Kendricks

October 29, 2023; Inglewood, California, United States; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) walks onto the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at SOFI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

If Kendricks has interest in continuing to play, I like him as a backup and continued mentor to the linebacker corps, even without Mike Zimmer as DC.

To bring back? Yes.

RB Ezekiel Elliott

January 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, United States; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) before the wild card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

ST CJ Goodwin

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JANUARY 08: CJ Goodwin #29 of the Dallas Cowboys attends the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on January 8, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

LS Trent Sieg

July 27, 2023; Oxnard, California, United States; Dallas Cowboys long snapper Trent Sieg (43) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

OT Chuma Edoga

July 27, 2023; Oxnard, California, United States; Dallas Cowboys tackle Chuma Odoga (71) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

DT Chauncey Golston

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 20: Chauncey Golston #99 of the Dallas Cowboys battles against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter at US Bank Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

Probably the only “surprise” guy on the defense, Golston has come out of bankruptcy to be usable and should be available as a depth guy on the cheap.

To bring back? Yes.

Josh Ball, OT

July 27, 2023; Oxnard, California, United States; Dallas Cowboys tackle Josh Ball (75) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

DB Israel Mukuamu

August 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, United States; Dallas Cowboys safety Israel Mukuamu (24) leaves the field after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

To bring back? Yes in terms of back-end depth.

Security bell (RFA)

Wednesday: Limited |

To bring back? Yes, as a qualifying offer with right of refusal.

Security Juanyeh Thomas (RFA)

Juanyeh Thomas holds a bible as he speaks after receiving the Collegiate Athlete Award during the athletic association’s 53rd awards banquet held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center.

Asa Awards Banquet

To bring back? Yes, as a qualifying offer with right of refusal.

Brock Hoffman Center (ERFA)

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

To bring back? Yes, as a qualifying offer with right of refusal.

Edge Tyrus Wheat (ERFA)

July 31, 2023; Oxnard, California, United States; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrus Wheat (91) during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playgrounds. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

DT Linval Joseph

November 7, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States; Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) runs down the field against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

LB Nick Vigil

August 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, United States; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith (19) is brought down by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Nick Vigil (52) during the first half at SOFI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

CB Amani Oruwariye

September 26, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Amani Oruwariye (27) celebrates his interception during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Edge Carl Lawson

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 26: Carl Lawson #55 of the Dallas Cowboys attends the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

To bring back? Yes, he flashed enough to come back into consideration at camp.

DT Carlos Watkins

August 17, 2022; Costa Mesa, California, United States; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (91) looks on during joint practice against the Los Angeles Chargers at Jack Hammett Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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