With one week of free agency in the books, who on the Dallas Cowboys can call himself a winner or a loser? We’re diving into seven names positively or negatively affected by the front office’s moves so far.

More moves are guaranteed to come and some could change the outlook for the players listed below. But for now, let’s start with one of the best players on the roster.

Loser: LG Tyler Smith

Smith was very clear last December when he was asked about potentially moving to left tackle permanently.

“I’m an All-Pro guard, bro,” Smith told reporters . “You feel me? That’s the simple truth if we’re looking at stuff purely off facts.”

That doesn’t sound like someone who’s eager to move outside when he knows he dominates the inside. But after one week of free agency, it looks like a likely scenario.

The Cowboys have neglected the offensive tackle need and they even signed backup guard T.J. Bass to a $5.6 million tender, which could be interpreted as an insurance policy in case they need a new starter at guard.

Smith wanted more certainty about his future. The first week of free agency didn’t give him it.

Winner: RT Terence Steele

The Cowboys staying put on offensive line wasn’t bad for anyone, as Steele is set to start at right tackle again.

Heading into free agency, he was widely considered a potential cap casualty. Instead, he took a pay cut on a reworked deal to ensure his stay.

The Cowboys are betting on Steele’s quality run blocking to translate into improved pass protection, which has been an issue for him the last couple of years. That being said, this is the Cowboys front office. If the board falls a certain way in April, you can’t rule out offensive line in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Loser: QB Joe Milton

If Milton didn’t know he would have to earn the right to back up Dak Prescott again in 2026, he knows it now. His accuracy was a serious problem last year and now he has to compete with recently-signed QB Sam Howell.

Howell outnumbers Milton’s career game starts with 18 of them. While he’s not a standout backup quarterback, he led the NFL in pass attempts in 2023. There’s a very real chance he wins the competition for QB2 in training camp.

At minimum, Milton’s seat is warming up.

Winner: DT Kenny Clark

Entering the offseason, Clark’s future was somewhat blurry. With a $21 million cap hit and Quinnen Williams and Osa Odighizuwa already on the team, a cap casualty cut or trade looked entirely possible.

Instead, Clark’s deal was restructured and Odighizuwa got traded to the San Francisco 49ers. He’s also bound for more playing time in 2026 as the clear-cut starter alongside Williams, which makes him a winner so far.

Loser: LB DeMarvion Overshown

The Cowboys have yet to find Overshown a running mate at linebacker. Ideally, they get new defensive coordinator Christian Parker a middle linebacker so that Overshown can use his elite acceleration and range running freely.

Right now, Overshown’s teammates at the position are 2025 fifth-round pick Shemar James and former undrafted free agent Justin Barron. He needs more around him to play at his best.

Loser: CB DaRon Bland

This is a tricky one. As long as he’s healthy, you can expect Bland to start for the Cowboys in 2026. However, I wonder if he’ll play where he prefers.

Last year, Bland admitted he preferred to play outside than in the slot as the Cowboys’ nickel. But free agent signing Cobie Durant has spent the last couple of years starting outside for the Los Angeles Rams. If the Cowboys agree that is his best spot, playing Bland inside makes more sense.

The other outside CB spot is expected to be manned by second-year Shavon Revel Jr. barring any further additions (like a first-round pick).

Winner: S Malik Hooker

Parker wants the Cowboys defense to be multiple and versatile, so I expect him to ask Hooker to play everywhere on the field. But the additions of Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke at safety will make it easier to play most of the season at free safety, where he is best.

Hooker’s best seasons in coverage coincide with the years he’s played the most FS snaps.