Mike Zimmer might be trying to get back together with specific players.
Jerry Jones has stated that the Dallas Cowboys intend to go “all-in” over the summer. Even if that is the case, they still won’t be able to add big-name free agents to cover every weakness in their roster. This implies that they will use free agency to find players at a lower cost once more.
We’re going to examine a handful of these “bargain bin” players who the Cowboys ought to look into in the upcoming free agency class. We have identified free agents who could be a welcome addition to Dallas based on their predicted market value, the position they play, and the Cowboys’ current roster needs.Jordan Hicks has finished one of his best seasons as a Minnesota Viking. With a 74.2 run defence, 64.0 pass rush, and 70.1 coverage rating, he was ranked as the 22nd overall LB by PFF. The 31-year-old, 6’1″, 238-pound LB is among the best available in free agency for his position and fits the approach that new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer of the Dallas Cowboys likes at middle linebacker. He would also be inexpensive given that he signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract the previous year.
DeMarvion Overshown, who missed his rookie season due to a season-ending knee injury, will be back for the Dallas Cowboys, but they will also probably be losing Leighton Vander Esch to retirement with his latest setback. Although they still have Markquese Bell and Damone Clark, adding Jordan Hicks to the mix would be a huge improvement and should keep them from selecting a top linebacker in the draft if they so desire.Several injuries have dogged J.K. Dobbins’ NFL career thus far, even though the Baltimore Ravens selected him 55th overall in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The 25-year-old, 5’10”, 215-pound running back hopes to recover from repeated knee ailments and a damaged Achilles to rank among the league’s best backs in 2024. Although he has averaged 5.8 yards per rush throughout his career and shown glimpses of that talent, recurrent ailments continue to limit his durability.
Dobbins may provide the Cowboys, who are renowned for taking chances on risk/reward players, a win-win approach to address their present running back position shortage. Given that they are still paying Ezekiel Elliott $6 million this year, they are likely seeking to go younger or less expensive at the position, and Dobbins most clearly meets that need. According to Spotrac.com, his market value is currently estimated to be $4.3 million, or roughly two years’ worth of money.
Similar to Dobbins, Isaiah Wynn has experienced numerous injuries over his career. In his brief career, the New England Patriots’ 2018 first-round selection (23rd overall) has shown himself to be a valuable asset as a capable and adaptable starter. If he can stay healthy, Wynn’s position flexibility, which includes multiple starts at left and right tackle as well as left guard, would be a benefit to almost any offensive line in the league. Unfortunately, though, there is a serious red flag with his health.
The Cowboys would be making yet another risk/reward free agent signing, as they have in the past. The former first-round pick might be a great value at a reasonable price, depending on whether he is used as a depth piece, a potential short-term replacement at LT, a potential starter at LG if Tyler Smith is moved back to LT, or perhaps competition for Terence Steele at RT. He might play in Dallas after agreeing to a one-year, $2.3 million contract to play in Miami last year.
