“The Super Bowl can’t be won in March, but it can be lost,” as the proverb goes. Applying that reasoning? The Dallas Cowboys’ pivotal moment in the offseason has arrived, as the events in the upcoming weeks regarding the roster-building process could determine whether or not “America’s Team” makes the playoffs in 2024 for the fourth consecutive year. If executed well, however, “in the playoffs” might be surpassed by actual postseason success and Super Bowl competition.
LAMB CHOPPED
It is inevitable that CeeDee Lamb will get a contract extension. The good news is that, in terms of cap space, a deal that pays him close to $30 million APY—our best estimate—can actually save up $7 million to $10 million in 2024.
Here, it takes two to tango. Being proactive might be beneficial.
Our list of the Top 10 Dallas Decisions, arranged according to significance, marks the start of that journey. Now let’s get started…
THE DAK DOMINO
A lot of what the Cowboys can and cannot do depends on the resolution of the contract dispute involving Dak Prescott, who is the largest domino to fall—or not fall.
If you can extend the contract, the Cowboys can engage in some free agency activities. Hold off until August, as there is a rumor? Though that hinders the process, we genuinely don’t know why the Joneses would do that.
Take no action at all, risking losing Dak to free agency after 2024 and leave alone his huge $59.4 million cap hit for 2024? It’s just not logical.
TYRON’S TIME
Will the legendary Tyron Smith be permitted to depart through free agency, as it seems likely to happen? Alright, assuming two things: first, there’s a succession plan; and second, he gets blown away by his new team with a salary Dallas would have been foolish to pay.
It’s not necessary for that plan to become clear until the NFL Draft in April. But Tyron’s horizon has been visible to the Cowboys for years. Now, it would be unacceptable to be discovered to be acting inappropriately.
WHERE’S THE BEEF?
The Cowboys are vowing to get “beefier” in their run defense. Bringing back Johnathan Hankins would help maintain the 2023 level; signing somebody like Grover Stewart from the Colts would help increase that level.
SUPPORTERS OF THE WALL – Assuming that Leighton Vander Esch would eventually be forced to retire due to an injury, Dallas will require significant assistance in this situation. Both depth and size do not exist. The arrival of DeMarvion Overshown, a 2023 rookie who is recovering, could be beneficial. It would also be surprising to learn that Minnesota’s elderly All-Pro Eric Kendricks believes coordinator Mike Zimmer is a “jerk.”
TRANSFERRING MONEY SIMPLY
To stay under the cap for this week, Dallas “flipped the switch” on Zack Martin’s contract; nevertheless, that merely relates to cap compliance. To genuinely take action?
The Cowboys anticipate “flipping the switches” on Terence Steele and Trevon Diggs’ contracts shortly as well. A room worth $13 million can be made by those two. Additionally, the “kicking the can” effect is not an issue because they are inexperienced players.
THE LESSER LIGHTS
Stephon Gilmore is aging and coming off surgery and joins fellow DBs Jayron Kearse and Jourdan Lewis as question marks here. Same with defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler and with special-team ace C.J. Goodwin. The Cowboys are going to see some of that group get twice what they’re willing to pay (Armstrong?) … and there will be a bottom-of-the-roster churn.
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