While the Dallas Cowboys rarely actively participate in NFL free agency, they’re never afraid to re-sign their own players on expiring deals. Jerry Jones and Co. will need to make several moves to get under the salary cap before the new league year begins in March, so Dallas won’t have much to spend, anyway.
Will the Cowboys try to retain any of their internal free agents? Let’s run through the top Dallas players headed for the open market.
Who Are the Dallas Cowboys’ Upcoming Free Agents?
RB Tony Pollard
After spending the 2023 campaign on the franchise tag, Tony Pollard will search for a multi-year commitment in free agency. Whether or not he’ll get it — and whether a new pact will come from the Cowboys — remains up for debate.
With fellow RB Ezekiel Elliott out of the picture last season, Pollard handled 75 more touches than the year prior, and his efficiency dropped as a result. He averaged 1.2 fewer yards per carry compared to 2022. Pollard struggled to generate yards after contact, but the Cowboys’ front five let him get hit earlier than in seasons past.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas’ RB2, is also a pending free agent, so the Cowboys have decisions to make it their backfield. With a deep 2024 FA running back class that includes Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, and Austin Ekeler, Dallas will have options if it moves on from Pollard.
LT Tyron Smith
Tyron Smith is 33 years old and hasn’t completed a full slate since 2015. That’s the bad news. The good news is that Smith is still incredibly effective whenever he’s on the field, especially as a pass blocker.
MORE: 2024 NFL Free Agents by Position
He managed to suit for 13 games in 2023, his highest total since 2019. Smith should have options around the league if the Cowboys proceed with Tyler Smith at left tackle.
CB Stephon Gilmore
Along with WR Brandin Cooks, Stephon Gilmore was one of two significant Cowboys trade acquisitions in 2023. Although he was 33 years old last season, Gilmore proved he still had it, appearing in all 17 games while playing primarily single coverage.
Cornerbacks — even those as talented as Gilmore — have been known to fall off a cliff with little warning. But he should have a market in a league desperate for high-quality defensive back play. A return to Dallas — especially with fellow cornerback Trevon Diggs recovering from a torn ACL — makes sense.
Other Cowboys 2024 Free Agents
- RB Rico Dowdle
- TE Sean McKeon
- OT Chuma Edoga
- C Tyler Biadasz
- EDGE Dorance Armstrong Jr.
- EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.
- DT Neville Gallimore
- DT Johnathan Hankins
- CB C.J. Goodwin
- CB Noah Igbinoghene
- CB Jourdan Lewis
- S Jayron Kearse
- LS Trent Sieg
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