3 biggest losers from Cowboys' lethargic 2024 NFL free agency
The Dallas Cowboys have had a lethargic start to free agency, as we're midway through the third week of the open market and their tally of outside additions remains at one player while the list of lost starters keeps growing and growing.Recently, I wrote about the biggest winners out of the team's decision-making but this […]
The Dallas Cowboys have had a lethargic start to free agency, as we're midway through the third week of the open market and their tally of outside additions remains at one player while the list of lost starters keeps growing and growing.
Recently, I wrote about the biggest winners out of the team's decision-making but this time around it's time to start looking at the ones most affected by it.
Below are my three biggest losers from the Cowboys' free agency approach thus far.
LB Damone Clark
With all of the concerns going on at the linebacker position, it's easy to forget that Clark played in 73% of the defensive snaps, the six-highest participation on the team on that side of the ball, per Pro Football Reference.
However, it's clear Clark's path to a starting role in 2024 won't be unobstructed. Even though Markquese Bell is expected to move back to safety, Eric Kendricks was the lone outside signing for the Cowboys in the first week and remains so in the third week since the market opened.
Pair that with the fact that DeMarvion Overshown is coming back from injury after suffering a preseason injury last year and Clark might be a draft pick away from receiving competition from three players ahead of next year. He'll have to fight for his job. On the other hand, Kendricks' presence on the field might just allow Clark to reach another level. Stay tuned.
LG Tyler Smith
I think anyone's job gets harder if a Hall of Famer that usually plays next to you is removed. But the reason why Smith is on the list is because his role in 2024 is blurry as the Cowboys try to figure out what is going to be their setup up front.
Smith played his best at left guard last year, even receiving second-team All-Pro honors. Mike McCarthy's comments at the league annual meetings seem to suggest that is where he'll stay.
But it ultimately depends on who the Cowboys draft at 24th overall. It might be a "snip snap snip snap" situation for the flexible tackle going into his third-year and it's fair to question if that's ideal for a player's development. I'm betting not.
HC Mike McCarthy
The Cowboys decided to run it back with McCarthy while not giving him any sort of long-term security as he will coach on the final year of his deal with the franchise. In this "prove it" type of season, McCarthy isn't getting a better team, however.
The front office has allowed multiple quality starters leave in free agency, including Tyron Smith, Tony Pollard, Stephon Gilmore (pending), Johnathan Hankins, and Tyler Biadasz. In return, the only outside arrival is Kendricks.
The Jones want McCarthy to "prove it," yet they're not willing to spend to help him out even after three consecutive 12-win seasons.
Dear Jerry Jones, please, just stop lying to Cowboys Nation
A letter to Jerry.
