Ranking All 21 Dallas Cowboys 2022 Unrestricted Free Agents
As the Dallas Cowboys head into the 2022 NFL off-season, there's still questions around their coaching staff. Come March, there will be even more questions surrounding their roster. The front office is notorious for being cheap in free agency. Choosing instead to go through the draft, and develop home-grown talent, rather than spend big on […]
As the Dallas Cowboys head into the 2022 NFL off-season, there's still questions around their coaching staff. Come March, there will be even more questions surrounding their roster.
The front office is notorious for being cheap in free agency. Choosing instead to go through the draft, and develop home-grown talent, rather than spend big on free agents.
Last off-season was no different, as the Cowboys went out and got plenty of cheap players, who were able to fill spots in their new defensive scheme, as well as holes in other spots. The results were out of the ordinary.
Players like Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal were seen as "Dan Quinn" guys, who were a step up from what had been on the field. While players like Carlos Watkins or Jayron Kearse appeared more like camp bodies who might not make the final roster.
Dallas got plenty of quality play from its impending free agents, as well as 1-year wonder players. Randy Gregory and Dalton Schultz each walk into free agency following career seasons, who could break the bank.
Still, there's plenty of role players with potential who the Cowboys front office might prefer to retain. Not only for monetary, but for potential upside reasons. Malik Turner and Malik Hooker to name a few.
There are 21 unrestricted free agent Dallas Cowboys. In this list we'll ignore Francis Bernard, Mitch Hyatt and Luke Gifford. The first 2 being exclusive rights free agents, and Gifford being a restricted free agent. The focus solely on the players who're available, no strings attached.
21. Jake McQuaide
It's hard to fill in for a legend like L.P. Loaducer. The 15-year vet wasn't resigned last March, so special teams coordinator John Fassel opted for a familiar face.
Jake McQuaide played well for the Dallas Cowboys in his first season, and there are many reasons to believe he'll be back aside from his relationship with "Bones" Fassel. The position he plays is undervalued, and inexpensive.
He's only ranked 21 for the simple fact that he's easily the most likely player for the Cowboys to re-sign.
20. Maurice Canady
Crazy how 6 months can alter thinking. Maurice Canady returned this season after sitting out 2020 due to COVID. The initial thought was he was a potential practice squad player, but instead turned heads in training camp as a favorite to take over the slot corner position.
Instead, Canady played 70 snaps on defense, primarily used as a reserve corner/special teams player. As the season progressed, Kelvin Joseph became the new CB4.
Going into next season, Joseph looks like a likely new CB2 opposite of Trevon Diggs. That leaves the Cowboys with the difficult decision of what to do with either Anthony Brown or Jourdan Lewis.
Given that you can never have too many good corners, a 1-year deal to return wouldn't hurt the depth. He likely won't go in as a starter and won't cost much either.
19. Noah Brown
Noah Brown was an Ezekiel Elliott pick back in 2017 and has primarily been used on special teams, a "light end" and as an actual receiver. However, as the season went along, we saw the emergence of other receivers who probably deserved some of the snaps Brown got.
Brown set career highs for targets, receptions and yards, but has never taken the step beyond a rotational piece in the receiving room. His best attributes to this point have been his positional flexibility and blocking, but there are better receiving options on the team, and to be mentioned later.
Once again, this is a low-cost signing who'll primarily play special teams and rotate on offense. With players like Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb coming back, 3 more receivers who are better suited for offensive snaps and a rookie in Simi Fehoko who looks like he can fill the role, Brown's days in Dallas looked numbered.
18. Jeremy Sprinkle
Despite the impending free agency of Dalton Schultz, the Dallas Cowboys have shown a general indifference to the tight end position. The 1-year tight end played the majority of his snaps this season on special teams.
Even after Schultz, the team still has Blake Jarwin under contract and the upside of Sean McKeon, Ian Bunting on a future's deal, as well as very deep tight end draft coming in April. Tight end is likely 1 of the furthest things from the front office minds.
Don't be surprised if we see Sprinkle return in 2022. Even if just as a camp body, his low price tag and familiarity might garner him a 2nd look.
17. Corey Clement
Corey Clement actually showed more value late in the season as the team's main returner while Tony Pollard dealt with plantar fasciitis. He kept the job as Pollard took on a bigger role with the offense.
Even with limited opportunities in the backfield, Clement showed he still has plenty in the tank. In limited offensive snaps, he averaged 4.8 yards per reception and 4.2 yards per carry, 2nd highest in his career.
Running back has 1 of the shortest shelf lives in the league. With the injury history attached to their high-priced starting running back, and the emergence of RB2, expect the Cowboys to likely go younger at the position. Clement would be a welcomed return, but the team's history at the position indicates there's going to be a new player at the role.
16. Ty Nseckhe
Ty Nseckhe will be 37 next season, but given the state of the offensive line going into this offseason, it's tough to gage his future.
Connor Williams is a free agent. Tyler Biadasz had an up and down season. Tyron Smith is a future Hall of Famer, but injuries are catching up to him, and even showed signs of wear and tear. Terence Steele showed that he is a starting-level right tackle in this league, and is ahead of Nseckhe on the depth chart.
Only La'el Collins and Zack Martin seem to be the "no doubt" players who'll start next season (Smith non-withstanding). The offensive line is already 1 of the team's top needs, so it would be a surprise to see Nseckhe return in 2022.
15. Keanu Neal
1 of Dan Quinn's "guys" from his Atlanta Falcons days, Neal made waves early after switching from safety to linebacker. With the rise of Micah Parsons, Neal began to be used in a heavy rotation along with Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith.
As the season progressed, Neal's play declined. The inconsistent play of Vander Esch, release of Smith and injury to Jabril Cox kept him on the field as a necessity.
What works in his favor is the return of Dan Quinn and his fit in this defense. Aside from Micah Parsons, the linebacker position is in flux at the moment for the Cowboys. It might be unpopular but brining back Neal could be mutually beneficial.
14. Brent Urban
Brent Urban was brought in primarily to be used on run defense, flexing between a 3-tech or a nose tackle, as well as a 5-tech in 3-man defensive fronts. For 6 games, that's what we got. The last game Urban was active for was against the New England Patriots before the bye week.
Right around the time things started to go downhill. Bringing back Urban might be a smart, inexpensive move the Dallas Cowboys could take advantage of. His cost is under $2 million and has a correlative value to this defense.
Before his injury, the defense only gave up 100 yards rushing twice. Afterwards, they gave up 100 yards rushing in all but 1 game. It might not all correlate to having on the field, but it's notable that what he was brought in to do, suffered without him.
13. Malik Turner
A more surprising player that risen on this list is this 25-year-old receiver. Malik Turner stepped into the Noah Brown role (CB4) during missed time from injury. He made the most of his time on special teams, as well as his minimal snaps as a receiver.
Despite not being on the field as often as most of the receivers, Turner might have the most impact per snap than any player on this list. 12 receptions (75% completion) 149 yards and 3 touchdowns, as well as a blocked punt to say for it.
The Dallas Cowboys very well might have stumbled onto their next developmental find. He's shown to have a solid connection with Dak Prescott, and would likely be the cheapest receiver on this list to retain.
12. Leighton Vander Esch
Leighton Vander Esch had a fantastic rookie season, leading to being named 2nd-Team All-Pro. As bright as his future looked, injuries have robbed LVE from ever repeating that success.
It was already telling when the Cowboys declined his 5th year option, even more telling that they drafted 2 linebackers, in the 1st 4 rounds.
He falls into the same category that Neal does. Inconsistent, but has had moments where you're happy he's on the field. He won't break the bank in the open market, and since the front office loves to retain their own players. At the same time, there will likely be a team who'll pay more for him. Decisions. Decisions.
11. Dorance Armstrong Jr.
Jerry's adopted son had himself his best season so far. On the season he set career highs for himself across the board.
37 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and a pair of plays landing in the endzone.
The Cowboys owner is noted for his love for Dorance Armstrong, and this season everyone else's love grew to love him as well. You can never have too many good pass rushers, and retaining Armstrong's services would be a wise investment.
10. Connor Williams
Depending on how you might fee about Connor Williams, your mind is already made up. He was benched midway through the season, before retaking his job from Connor McGovern due to poor play.
Williams finished 2nd in penalties (12) and 1st in holding calls (10), the biggest reason many have soured on him. As for his play, he only allowed 1 sack all season, according to Pro Football Focus, and has seemingly left behind his injury bug that plagued him his 1st 2 seasons.
According to Spotrac, Williams estimated yearly market is around $13 million a year. Considering how selective the front office is in free agency, they might back off on this one. The issue it brings would be a big gaping hole on the Dallas Cowboys starting offensive line.
9. Damontae Kazee
Another one of Dan Quinn's "guys", Damontae Kazee, for lack of a better word, has been the free safety the Cowboys have needed, but ignored for years.
Something that has hurt the Cowboys secondary this season was susceptibility to big plays down the field. He gave up a career low in completion percentage when targeted (52%), but also allowed 4 touchdowns, tied for the most in his career.
After seeing what an upgrade at safety looks like, Kazee is probably making the front office realize how important the position is. Especially in this system. He likely won't command much in the open market, but there's a few other safeties to pay as well.
8. Bryan Anger
Very few times will you see a punter this high on a rankings list. It's only when they're value on the field, outweighs the position they play. This is 1 of those few times.
Bryan Anger was selected to this 1st Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections this season. He ranks among the league leaders with the 4th highest yards/punt average (48.4) and the highest net yards average (44.6).
Punters don't cost much in the open market, even the best. Anger had his best season under Jon Fassel, and should be among the easiest decisions to bring back in March.
7. Cedrick Wilson
In a season full of surprises, Cedrick Wilson did plenty of that stepping in for Michael Gallup as the WR3 for much of the season. The offense didn't miss a beat, and Wilson turned into 1 of Dak's most relaible targets.
2021 was a breakout season for Wilson, setting highs in receptions (45), receiving yards (602) and touchdowns (6). Giving his free agency market a healthy elevation.
There are 4 receivers who are unrestricted free agents, and a tight end to be mentioned later. As it stands, Wilson's estimated market is between $5-$7 million per year. If the Dallas Cowboys want to continue to be among the best in the game, retaining their playmakers is key.
6. Malik Hooker
As mentioned before, the Cowboys finally took the safety position seriously this off-season, and the former 1st round draft pick was among them. He didn't get as many starts as Kazee, but had an arguably bigger impact.
The switch between the single-high and box safety role not only showed how versatile Hooker is, but in a healthy season allowed him to display 1 of his best seasons as a pro. Hooker only allowed a 57.6% completion when targeted (best in his career), making plays across the secondary.
At the moment, Donovan Wilson is the only starting safety set to return. The secondary showed great growth with the depth and rotation along the backend. Under Dan Quinn's system, favoring long and rangy DB's, brining back a versatile player like Hooker only makes sense.
5. Michael Gallup
Michael Gallup's absence was felt with the lack of down the field shots the offense usually takes. Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Cedrick Wilson is still a high quality trio, but lacks a physicality, 3rd gear and jump ball ability that Gallup has had for his career.
Injuries affected Gallup all season. He only played in 9 games due to a calf strain in week 1, and a torn ACL in week 17. This is both a good thing and a bad thing for his market.
Early in the season, his market was being talked around the $15-$17 million per year range. After suffering 2 lengthy injuries, he's now talked in the $10-$13 million range. He might be inclined to take a Juju Smith-Schuster-type deal, even if it's only a 1-year prove it deal. A win-win for the Dallas Cowboys front office, and Dak himself.
4. Carlos Watkins
As a pure player, Carlos Watkins is probably not as good a player as some of who's been listed already. His rank on here is due to his breakout performance season, and value to the team.
Drafted to Houston, Watkins played almost exclusively out of position as a 3-4 defensive end. In Dallas, he plays as the starting nose tackle, and under tackle in rotation of a 4-3 defense, similar to what he did in Clemson. He set a career high in tackles for loss (5), and like Brent Urban, was a bigger key factor in run defese.
The future of the defensive tackle position is going to be Neville Gallimore and Osa Odighizuwa, but like edge rushers, you can never have enough good defensive tackles. Even if it's purely for rotation, Watkins has excelled in this defense. Unless there's another upgrade out there, Watkins would be a smart return.
3. Dalton Schultz
Dalton Schultz has become the player the Dallas Cowboys though Blake Jarwin would be. His 1st 2 seasons he was primarily used as a run blocker in 3 tight end sets. But due to injuries, he's been given the opportunity to become a Pro Bowl-level tight end.
In the last 2 seasons, Schultz has 141 receptions, 1423 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's made such a big name for himself that not only is his market jumped into the same conversation as Mark Andrews, but he's already being heavily targeted by other teams.
If a deal can't be worked out with Schultz, don't be surprised if the franchise tag is an option. Tight ends are the 2nd lowest costing position to be tagged, at just over $10 million. Schultz is the highest ranking offensive player on here, and for good reason.
2. Jayron Kearse
The Dallas Cowboys surprise player of the year. Kearse was only supposed to be a core special teams player, but instead filled the mold of a new Dan Quinn project. Adding Kearse to the defense's Big Nickle defensive formation, put him at what's known as the STAR position. Essentially a safety/linebacker hybrid.
Instead of being in a box role, he plays near the line of scrimmage, in the slot and as the tight end neutralizer. He started more games with the Cowboys than he has his whole career. Setting career highs in tackles (101), tackles for loss (9), pass breakups (10) and interceptions (2).
Now that Kearse will go into his 7th season, his market is going to be interesting. His value might be linked to the role he plays on this defense, but his breakout season might be enough to sway more potential suitors.
1. Randy Gregory
Who did you THINK was going to be number 1? Randy Gregory has been the near consensus top free agent since last March. Randy Gregory finally got a full offseason under his belt and ended up being 1 of the team's best overall players. Not just on defense.
In 12 games, Gregory posted 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 29 pressures, playing in a front 7 seven with the likes of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Creating 1 of the most terrifying pass rush arsenals in the NFL.
The salary cap is going to go up from $182 million to $208 million this season. On top of that, the Dallas Cowboys already created an additional $16 million in cap space after restructuring his contract. Expect some of that to go the way of #94.
