At the moment, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves stuck in a rut of mediocrity, and there’s no simple fix on the horizon. Their roster is lopsided, heavily reliant on star players, and desperately in need of more depth and supportive talent. However, salary-cap constraints severely limit their ability to maneuver.
Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president and son of owner Jerry Jones, has hinted at a potential strategy shift. As reported by Jon Machota, Jones mentioned the team plans to be “selectively aggressive” during the offseason to bolster their lineup.
Considering last year’s offseason, it’s clear why fans are anxious for improvements. The Cowboys didn’t make significant signings and saw several key contributors leave, such as defensive end Dorance Armstrong, cornerback Stephon Gilmore, and running back Tony Pollard.
Supporters of the Cowboys are craving a breakthrough. It’s been since the 1995 season that the team last hoisted the Super Bowl trophy or even competed in the NFC Championship Game. Their habit of exiting the playoffs prematurely has often made them the butt of jokes.
Despite having star quarterback Dak Prescott, who secured a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract extension, and an extended wide receiver in CeeDee Lamb, alongside pass-rusher Micah Parsons and other notable defenders, they still have significant gaps. The absence of a reliable running back and the need for defensive reinforcement, especially against the run, are glaring issues.
To turn things around, the Cowboys must get inventive with restructuring contracts to free up salary cap space, enabling them to sign impactful players. Additionally, making the most of their draft picks will be crucial in strengthening the squad for the upcoming challenges.