The Dallas Cowboys are at a pivotal juncture as they turn their attention to the 2025 free agency period following the conclusion of the 2024 season. With several key players set to enter free agency, Dallas has to strategize how to improve their roster moving forward.
One of the most discussed names on the free-agent radar is Brandin Cooks. After joining the Cowboys from the Houston Texans prior to the 2023 season, the veteran wide receiver's performance has generated mixed reviews. Cooks, now 32, has recorded only 244 yards and three touchdowns this season over 23 receptions, which has prompted concerns over his long-term viability with the team. According to Dallas Cowboys Insider, "Cooks has looked like he's taken a step back this season." His previous record of nearly 1,000 receiving yards every season before joining Dallas is now overshadowed by his struggles, making it hard to envision the Cowboys bringing him back for another round.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys' front office is under pressure to address the wide receiver corps. NFL analysts suggest they need to target upgrades for their WR2 and WR3 positions. With CeeDee Lamb consuming the majority of the target shares, Cooks' production has dipped significantly, igniting debates over his future and whether the team should seek fresh talent through trade or the draft.
Turning to the key unrestricted free agents, Cooks is not alone. Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence are two prominent figures whose contracts expire this offseason. Both have been with the franchise for over ten years, and fans are left to wonder: will they retire, or will they continue their careers elsewhere? A sports pundit remarked, "Clearly time will tell" concerning their potential futures with the Cowboys. Their departures could drastically alter the team's composition, necessitating urgent evaluations on future strategies.
Dallas also has to weigh the futures of other significant players like Jourdan Lewis, Cooper Rush, and Osa Odighizuwa. Each has made impressive contributions, but their contracts are now ending. With Odighizuwa enjoying what many would call his best year, questions loom about whether his performance has priced him out of the Cowboys' budget.
For the restricted free agents, KaVontae Turpin stands out as the only player of concern from this group, with avenues for the Cowboys to tender him again. A beat writer for the Cowboys remarked, "It feels safe to say this will only really matter with KaVontae Turpin," underlining the significance of his role at this time.
There are also several exclusive rights free agents, such as Brock Hoffman and Juanyeh Thomas, whom the Cowboys can easily bring back if they choose. The exclusive nature of their statuses allows for smoother negotiations in the offseason, giving Dallas opportunities for continuity.
Looking at the overall picture, the choices made by the coaching staff will have considerable weight over offseason decisions. The Cowboys' new head coach and their approach to retaining players offer compelling narratives as fans eagerly await updates through the offseason.
Engaging with this ever-evolving storyline, many Cowboys fans find themselves questioning which players are worth keeping and which should be let go. The impending decisions could reshape the Cowboys for the next seasons to come.