It took until Day 3 to do so, but the Dallas Cowboys finally have their first outside free agent signing on the board. While 31 other teams added to their roster throughout the first two days of the legal tampering period, the Cowboys sat quietly in the back and let it all unfold without doing so themselves.
However, that all changed when it was reported that former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks was changing his mind from his previous commitment to join the San Francisco 49ers to be a Cowboy instead. That move was officially announced by the Cowboys’ official X account on Thursday morning, and fans prompted an unusual reaction from the team page.
Cowboys Shut Off Comments Amidst Fan Reaction
On Thursday morning, the Cowboys’ official X page took to the application to announce they have agreed to terms with the veteran linebacker. However, they did so while limiting fans’ ability to comment on the signing.
Welcome to Dallas, @erickendricks6! ⭐️#DallasCowboys | @blockchain pic.twitter.com/UAJUVGSyo9
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) March 14, 2024
In doing so, it ensured that only the accounts the Cowboys mentioned in the post were allowed to comment below. In this case, that would only be Kendricks himself as well as “Block Chain,” a crypto wallet sponsor the team has.
Everyone else who felt the need to interact would need to do so via a quote tweet to react directly. Frustrated fans did not disappoint while doing so.
Replies turned off.
This is the definition of a shut-up signing lol. https://t.co/cFOgMyH0aQ— Eddie O (@SquadNation619) March 14, 2024
One X user is quick to point out the decision to limit the interactions and state that this may be a move to just appease the masses.
“Replies turned off. This is the definition of a shut-up signing lol.”
BRUH THE COWBOYS REALLY TURNED THEIR COMMENTS OFF CUZ OF ALL THE ANGRY FANS
LMFAOOOOOOOOO THEY ARE SO FINISHED https://t.co/A62YtOoy8x
— Billy Tinkle (@BillyTinkleNuts) March 14, 2024
This X user seems to be enjoying the perceived demise of the Cowboys and is quick to point it out.
“BRUH THE COWBOYS REALLY TURNED THEIR COMMENTS OFF CUZ OF ALL THE ANGRY FANS LMFAOOOOOOOOO THEY ARE SO FINISHED.”
Imagine turning off replies because of your horrendous off season. https://t.co/4kPtex7Puj
— Tyler (@TPro83) March 14, 2024
It’s almost universally believed the Cowboys are losing the offseason right now as X user points out.
“Imagine turning off replies because of your horrendous off season.”
Up until Kendrick’s signing that was agreed upon Wednesday night, the Cowboys had only re-signed their long snapper Trent Sieg. Meanwhile, the rest of the league — especially their division — looked to attack roster development aggressively.
Stephen Jones Aware of Cowboys’ Fans Frustration
While social media is ablaze with hot takes and angered Cowboys fans, EVP Stephen Jones met with the media on Thursday afternoon and acknowledged the fans’ frustrations, as well as tried to level with them with understanding.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said he’s very aware of the fans’ current frustration with the franchise pic.twitter.com/wquzaRRAT9
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 14, 2024
“It’s frustrating for us as well …” Jones started.
“Nobody wants it more than we want it, and I know our fans want it. Certainly, there is understanding that there is frustration …”
KEEP READING: ESPN NFL Analyst Defends Cowboys’ Slow Start to Free Agency
Jones and his family control the situation, so while fans may appreciate the understanding, they would probably prefer action. What Dallas chooses to do from here, though, is unknown, but rest assured that fans will be there to react every step of the way.
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