The Dallas Cowboys have shown a significantly more aggressive approach in free agency this year than in previous offseasons. Besides a couple of big-time re-signings, they even executed trades for WR Brandin Cooks and CB Stephon Gilmore.

The roster moves set the table for a very intriguing year. With Mike McCarthy taking over play-calling duties and some big changes to the coaching staff, it's worth understanding that the team's depth chart will also be considerably shaken up. 

We know it's hard to keep up with all the news. So let's dive into what the team looks like with the first wave of free agency in the rearview mirror. 

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Offense

Position	Starters	Reserves
Quarterback	Dak Prescott	Cooper Rush, Will Grier
Running Back	Tony Pollard	Malik Davis, Rico Dowdle, Ronald Jones II
Fullback	TBD*
Slot WR	CeeDee Lamb (WR1)	Jalen Tolbert
WR (Z)	Brandin Cooks	Dennis Houston, Simi Fehoko, KaVontae Turpin
WR (X)	Michael Gallup	Dontario Drummond, Antonio Callaway
Tight End	Jake Ferguson	Peyton Hendershot, Sean McKeon, Ian Bunting, Seth Green
Left tackle	Tyron Smith	Matt Waletzko
Left guard	Tyler Smith	Chuma Edoga
Center	Tyler Biadasz	Matt Farniok, Alec Lindstrom, Brock Hoffman
Right guard	Zack Martin
Right tackle	Terence Steele	Josh Ball, Alex Taylor

It's clear that the Cowboys didn't want to lose backup quarterback Cooper Rush, who went 4-1 filling in for starter Dak Prescott last year. Will Grier challenged Rush for the backup role last year but the veteran's $6 million contract gives him a leg-up.

It's weird to list the running backs and not include Ezekiel Elliott's name in there. But that's how things go in the NFL. There will be an intense battle for RB2 and RB3 as Malik Davis impressed last year. Although he's a veteran, recently signed Ronald Jones doesn't have a secured spot. He and Rico Dowdle will battle anyone who the team drafts at the position.

The Cowboys are currently lacking a fullback but keep an eye out for the position to be filled at some point. Mike McCarthy's offenses in Green Bay usually featured a FB.

Although CeeDee Lamb is listed as the slot wide receiver, he's still the top weapon on offense. Brandin Cooks' arrival will only give him more opportunities to stay inside where he can be at his most dangerous. Even at 5-foot-10, Cooks is excellent outside thanks to his elite speed and footwork. 

Michal Gallup is listed as the X as he's usually the isolated receiver in Dallas. Being the No. 3 weapon will open things up for him and should result in plenty of one-on-one looks.

Jake Ferguson emerges as the starting tight end but he played in only 37% of the snaps last year. The Cowboys could aim to add more competition through the NFL Draft.

It's difficult to know what the Cowboys will do with Tyron and Tyler Smith. But in the meantime, lining up both gives the team the best possible group of five up front. If the Cowboys add a guard in the NFL Draft, I could see Dallas deciding to use Tyron as a swing tackle.

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Defense

Position	Starters	Reserves
EDGE	Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence	Sam Williams, Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr., Takk McKinley
DL (interior)	Osa Odighizuwa (3T), Quinton Bohanna (NT)	Neville Gallimore, Chauncey Golston, Isaac Alarcon
ILB	Leighton Vander Esch, Damone Clark	Jabril Cox, Devin Harper, Malik Jefferson, Devante Bond
CB1	Trevon Diggs	Kelvin Joseph
CB2	Stephon Gilmore	Nahshon Wright, Isaac Taylor-Stuart
Nickel	DaRon Bland	Jourdan Lewis
Safety	Malik Hooker (FS), Donovan Wilson (SS), Jayron Kearse (SS/Nickel)	Israel Mukuamu, Markquese Bell, Tyler Coyle, Juanyeh Thomas, Sheldrick Redwine

This is a LOADED group. It all starts with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence but Dan Quinn has plenty of other defensive ends to deploy, as well. He'll use more than two in obvious passing situations. 

I'd expect last year's second-round pick Sam Williams to emerge as the primary backup at the position.

The defensive tackle room is very thin but Osa Odighizuwa had 38 total pressures last year and is the best DT in the group. Quinton Bohanna is the closest the Cowboys have to a legit nose tackle which is probably a big reason why Isaac Alarcón will be moved to the defensive line after three years working as an offensive lineman. 

Keeping Leighton Vander Esch was huge for the linebacker position. The Cowboys could use some depth behind Damone Clark, who impressed as a rookie in 2022. Beyond LVE though, there's a clear lack of experience to be addressed. The current players might make up for that in speed.

The Cowboys have a great starting trio of cornerbacks and another at safety. Dan Quinn likes to use a "Big Nickel" package featuring three safeties which is why there are three starters listed above. 

I'm mostly intrigued by Israel Mukuamu among the reserves as he might be one of the most versatile guys on the roster and could earn a much more bigger role this year.

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Special Teams

Position	Starters
Kicker	Tristan Vizcaino
Punter	Bryan Anger
Long Snapper	Trent Sieg
Kick Returner	KaVontae Turpin
Punt Returner	KaVontae Turpin

Kicker is a huge question mark and the Cowboys are likely to hold a competition for the starting role just like last year. Is this the year when they draft somebody? Those missed extra points in the playoffs might force them to.

Punter Bryan Anger is one of the most underrated Cowboys players. Last year, KaVontae Turpin returned 50 of the team's 51 special team returns, per Pro Football Reference. His spot is probably more secure than we realize.

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Final Word: The Cowboys have fixed their biggest problem by adding Brandin Cooks at WR: Their ability to generate separation. Right now, the offense looks significantly better than last year. 

But position by position, the defense might be the most talented group right now. There's a reason why Dan Quinn returned to Dallas, after all. But it's still early in the offseason, expect the Cowboys to do more through the remaining weeks of free agency and of course, the NFL Draft.