Last week, we analyzed fits for Tier 1 free agents with the Dallas Cowboys. It was an ambitious exercise, given the Cowboys’ reluctance to pursue such players in recent history. But after hiring a new head coach, the front office teased potentially tweaking its approach to free agency. Comments made by owner and general manager Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones in the past two weeks have poured water on any excitement about a large spending spree.
Still, the Cowboys have created almost $57 million in cap space this week and could gain more if they agree to an extension with Micah Parsons. In our piece last week, subscriber James G. asked to dig deeper on the next tier of free agents — where the probability of the Cowboys getting involved increases — so that’s what we’re going to do. The Athletic dropped an updated version of the top 150 free agents, and we’ll use it as our guide.
The list consists of eight tiers. Moving beyond the first tier, we’ll look at a handful of players from each who could be options for the Cowboys.
(The Athletic’s top 150 ranking in parentheses)
Tier 2
Charvarius Ward, CB (8)
It’s a complicated situation with Ward, who had a rough 2024 season in the Bay Area. Injuries hampered his on-field production. Of far greater significance, he dealt with the tragic death of his 1-year-old daughter. That trauma has resulted in Ward saying he would like to continue his career away from the state of California and, ideally, closer to Texas, where his girlfriend and newborn son live. Ward is 28 and was second-team All-Pro in 2023. With Trevon Diggs’ injury and Jourdan Lewis’ uncertain future in Dallas, the Cowboys need help at cornerback. Adding Ward would also right a wrong from seven years ago, when Dallas traded Ward to the Kansas City Chiefs after signing him as an undrafted rookie free agent in exchange for guard Parker Ehinger.
Khalil Mack, edge (9)
The Los Angeles Chargers released Joey Bosa, so perhaps they are gearing up to ensure they can bring back Mack. The 34-year-old has been toying with the idea of retirement, but he’s still an impactful player who would provide a boost against the run and pass. Although the terms Mack is looking for might play in the Cowboys’ favor, the price tag will likely be higher than what they are accustomed to spending. Still, Mack could consider what his final chapter could look like playing next to prime Parsons.
Will Fries, G (15)
The Cowboys just bid farewell to stalwart right guard Zack Martin this week as he ended his Hall of Fame career. Historically, the Cowboys have homegrown their offensive line talent (as evident by all five projected starters). However, for a team with so many holes, adding the 27-year-old Fries could solidify its entire interior offensive line, allowing Dallas to use draft picks to address needs elsewhere.
Malcolm Koonce, edge (20)
Getting a talented pass rusher in his prime isn’t cheap, but Koonce is in a strange situation. His first two years in the NFL were extremely dry before his breakout in 2023. Then, an injury wiped out his entire 2024 season. How will the market gauge a 26-year-old at a premium position who doesn’t have much of a resume but has flashed potential?
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Tier 3
Ernest Jones IV, LB (22)
Even though Marist Liufau was great as a rookie in 2024, the Cowboys need to address the linebacker position. Eric Kendricks was fine as a one-year stopgap with Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator, but Jones gives the Cowboys an answer in the middle of the defense. He’s had injury concerns, which could make his price a bit more manageable, but there’s a greater chance of having a solid linebacker next to Liufau if somebody like Jones and DeMarvion Overshown are in the mix, rather than just one of the two. Unfortunately, as great as Overshown has been, the Cowboys can’t rely on him being on the field until it happens consistently.
Nick Bolton, LB (29)
Bolton was a key piece to a very good Kansas City defense that probably doesn’t get as much attention as it should because of the offensive star power. Bolton can do a lot of things well and would give the Cowboys consistency at a position that’s so often had great talent but troubles with availability. It feels unlikely, though, that the Cowboys would give Bolton the money his market would demand.
DeMarcus Lawrence, edge (30)
The Cowboys have been exploring conversations to continue Lawrence’s career in Dallas, the only home he’s had in the NFL since being drafted in 2014. Age and injury risk are major components the team will weigh with whatever contract terms Lawrence’s camp seeks. It doesn’t sound like Lawrence is in the business of hometown discounts, so finding a home elsewhere would not be surprising.
Poona Ford, DT (35)
The Cowboys just re-signed Osa Odighizuwa, but they still need a defensive tackle. Ford would complement Odighizuwa well. Ford is a tank against the run, while Odighizuwa is great against the pass. It’s a deep defensive tackle draft class, but the Cowboys have had pretty bad luck drafting and developing interior defensive linemen. Turning to free agency to solidify the position might be a wise move.
Poona Ford had eight tackles for loss and nine QB hits last season. (Gary A. Vasquez / Imagn Images)
Tiers 4-8
This is the area where Cowboys are most likely to make moves — let’s go through a lightning round.
Amari Cooper, WR (46): Cooper has fallen short of expectations with the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills since the Cowboys shipped him off. But the Cowboys need a No. 2 wide receiver, and Cooper has rapport with CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. A reunion is worth exploring if the bridge isn’t totally burned.
Tyler Lockett, WR (57): There’s history with Lockett. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator in Seattle for three years. In those three years, Lockett twice had a career high in touchdowns and posted three of his five best seasons in receiving yards. Lockett may be nearing the end, but he still has something left in the tank.
Teair Tart, DT (58): There are red flags aplenty with Tart, but that also means his market value could be low. When he’s engaged and on the field, Tart is solid. If nobody bites and the numbers fall low enough, it’s worth the Cowboys taking a chance at a position that needs help.
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Calais Campbell, DT (67): It’s kind of insane that at 39, Campbell is still chugging along. He’s still a solid player and won’t command a hefty price tag or a longer-term deal. Campbell may want to go to a team with a better chance at a Super Bowl, but his situation could be right up the Cowboys’ alley.
Rico Dowdle, RB (82): The second half of the season was a fair representation of what Dowdle can bring, and Schottenheimer is a fan. The Cowboys need to sign a capable running back in free agency and add one in the draft. If Dowdle is the free agent, they’ll be in good shape, as long as he isn’t the only move of the offseason.
B.J. Hill, DT (91): He’s not the player he once was but still offers a solid presence in the middle. His play against the run should intrigue the Cowboys.
Jourdan Lewis, CB (98): Lewis is probably more valuable to the Cowboys than he is to the other 31 teams, considering he’s an established leader in the secondary. His recovery from a career-threatening injury has been impressive, and as long as the demands aren’t outrageous, the Cowboys should consider bringing him back.
K’Lavon Chaisson, edge (114): Cowboys fans may remember Chaisson as a popular name in the 2020 draft cycle. The team ultimately selected Lamb, and Chaisson went a few picks later to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He hasn’t lived up to his draft slot, which is why he’s a Tier 7 free agent. He’s young enough and showed a little something late last season to take a flier on him.
Chauncey Golston, edge (144): Due to injuries, Golston got extended opportunities last season and performed well. As long as it doesn’t drive up his market too much, he’s worth bringing back to Dallas, where he should be even better if he’s allowed to play further down the depth chart in a role that isn’t too big.
(Top photo of Charvarius Ward: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
