Cowboys: Biggest winners and losers of the first wave of free agency
The Dallas Cowboys have had a busy offseason so far. But which players have trended up or down with some of the additions (or losses) so far? From Tony Pollard to mixed feelings among the defensive backs, we have a lot to discuss. Let's dive in. Winners RB Tony Pollard: With Ezekiel Elliott off the […]
The Dallas Cowboys have had a busy offseason so far. But which players have trended up or down with some of the additions (or losses) so far?
From Tony Pollard to mixed feelings among the defensive backs, we have a lot to discuss.
Let's dive in.
Winners
RB Tony Pollard: With Ezekiel Elliott off the team, Pollard is now the undisputed No. 1 running back on the team. Last year, even though he got closer and closer to a 50-50 split with Zeke, he still was second place in touches while Elliott got 14 game starts.
With a $10.1 million franchise tag, the long-term future for Pollard looks very uncertain. Especially with low values being the norm for running backs in this year's free agency period.
But one thing is clear: Pollard will have the stage to impress Cowboys and NFL execs around the league to cash in next year.
TE Jake Ferguson: There wasn't a lot of hope for Dalton Schultz to stay on the team. But now it's official: He'll play for the Houston Texans in 2023. That means Ferguson gets the starting role moving forward.
Ferguson was particularly impressive when running after the catch and even got a shoutout from Travis Kelce during Super Bowl week. Although he impressed as a rookie, he still only played in 37% of the snaps, per Pro Football Reference.
That will change in 2023.
CB DaRon Bland: The trade for Stephon Gilmore will likely keep Bland at nickel. Although the showed he could do both jobs very well as a rookie, there's no question Bland's strongest performances came when lined up inside.
That's not to say it's an easier job. In the NFL, playing at nickel might be one of the toughest jobs. Usually, they have to carry the vertical of the inside receivers while also getting dirty in the running game, among other assignments.
Focusing on that should help Bland's development. But keep reading to see which DB emerged as a loser from the Gilmore trade.
LB Damone Clark: Leighton Vander Esch is back but Anthony Barr is not. That leaves Clark as the likely No. 2 linebacker. He had a strong rookie year but this is a position the Cowboys could still address before the NFL Draft or in it.
But it appears it's Clark's job to lose for now.
Losers
WR Jalen Tolbert: Before the Cowboys traded for Brandin Cooks, Tolbert was likely the third-best option at wide receiver. But the veteran's arrival confirms he's slated to be a backup.
The 2022 third-round draft pick has admitted it was a rough rookie season for him as he learned the position at a pro level. Perhaps time is what he needed all this time.
But he won't get a chance to show off his lessons learned as a starter.
DB Israel Mukuamu: The versatile defensive back is one of the most intriguing players for the Cowboys entering 2023. He can play cornerback and safety and he's got all of the physical traits you want in a defensive back. Especially for a Dan Quinn-coached unit.
Before trading for Gilmore, Mukuamu could've been one of the projected three starting cornerbacks. Now, he'll have to wait for a crack in the lineup to break through. But don't overlook him, he's quite the weapon.
We'll see more of him next season.
QB Will Grier: Before Cooper Rush went on to win four of five games as the Cowboys' backup quarterback last year, Will Grier gave him a shot at his job in the preseason.
But it's clear now that Rush has a leg-up against him. His return with a $6 million contract means Grier will either be QB3 next season or he'll be fighting with a young quarterback if the Cowboys end up drafting one late in the NFL Draft.
