Dallas Cowboys Navigate Extensive Roster Turnover with 25 Pending Free Agents
In preparation for the upcoming offseason, the Dallas Cowboys face a significant roster overhaul with 25 players set to become free agents. This mass exodus represents almost half of the team’s active roster, leaving several key positions up for grabs.
Among the notable free agents are starting defensive linemen DeMarcus Lawrence and Osa Odighizuwa, starting running back Rico Dowdle, and backup quarterbacks Will Grier and Cooper Rush. After investing heavily in quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb last offseason with lucrative contract extensions, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones faces a daunting task in rebuilding the roster.
The Cowboys’ disappointing 7-10 record in 2024 underscores the need for improvement within a division that boasts both NFC Championship Game participants and Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Pending Free Agent Situation
According to OverTheCap.com, the Cowboys have:
- 20 unrestricted free agents
- 3 exclusive rights free agents (ERFA)
- 2 restricted free agents (RFA)
Unrestricted Free Agents
- DeMarcus Lawrence, DE
- Osa Odighizuwa, DE
- Rico Dowdle, RB
- Will Grier, QB
- Cooper Rush, QB
- Dorance Armstrong, DE
- Anthony Barr, LB
- Malik Hooker, S
- Johnathan Hankins, DT
- Leighton Vander Esch, LB
- Jevon Holland, S
- Justin Hamilton, G
- Donovan Wilson, S
- Brandon Carr, CB
- Wyatt Teller, G
- CJ Goodwin, CB
- Sam Williams, LB
- Terrance Steele, OT
- Peyton Hendershot, TE
- Dalton Schultz, TE
Exclusive Rights Free Agents
- Peyton Barber, RB
- Jake Ferguson, TE
- Carson Green, DE
Restricted Free Agents
- Tarell Basham, DE
- Simi Fehoko, WR
Free Agency Timetable
NFL free agency officially begins when the new league year starts on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 4 p.m. ET. However, teams may negotiate with pending free agents during a two-day negotiation period immediately preceding the start of the new league year.
Implications for the Cowboys
The Cowboys’ free agency situation poses significant challenges for the team. With a limited cap space and numerous key players approaching the end of their contracts, Jones and the Cowboys’ front office must prioritize their spending wisely.
The team’s decision on quarterback Dak Prescott’s contract will heavily influence their ability to retain other key players. Should Prescott receive a significant salary increase, the Cowboys may need to cut several players to free up cap space.
The Cowboys’ defense, which ranked among the NFL’s worst in 2024, requires immediate attention. The potential departure of Lawrence and Odighizuwa leaves the Cowboys with a gaping hole in their pass rush. Retaining or acquiring talented replacements will be crucial to the team’s success in 2025.
The Cowboys’ running back depth also needs reinforcement with Dowdle set to hit free agency. Finding a reliable backup to Tony Pollard will be essential for the team’s offensive balance.
Key Decisions for Jones and the Cowboys
Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys face a pivotal offseason with numerous critical decisions to make:
- Determine the future of Dak Prescott’s contract
- Prioritize which free agents to retain or replace
- Address the team’s defensive deficiencies
- Bolster the running back depth
- Navigate the NFL Draft and potential trade opportunities
The Cowboys’ performance in 2025 hinges on their ability to make sound roster decisions during this crucial offseason. With Jerry Jones at the helm, the Cowboys are sure to aggressively pursue roster upgrades and aim to reassert themselves as a contender within the NFC East.
