Top 5 remaining needs for the Dallas Cowboys after first wave of free agency, and the best options to address them
With almost one week of free agency in the books, what do the Dallas Cowboys still need?
The first week of free agency is almost over for the NFL, and the Dallas Cowboys still have plenty of needs. Below are the top 5 positions they need to address the most and options to do so in free agency, via trade, or the 2026 NFL Draft.
1. Linebacker
Back in January, the Cowboys didn’t hesitate to say linebacker was their biggest need entering the offseason. It has yet to be addressed in the slightest.
If Dallas had to play a game today, DeMarvion Overshown would be joined on the field by second-year player Shemar James (a 2025 fifth-round pick) and 2025 UDFA signing Justin Barron.
What stings the most is the Cowboys took swings at Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, and even Devin Lloyd early in free agency but missed on all of them. Look for the Cowboys to target the position in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft or via the trade market.
Best veteran options: Patrick Queen via trade (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Best draft options: Sonny Styles (Ohio State), Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech)
2. EDGE
Yes, the Cowboys got Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku should take a step forward in his second year in the NFL.
But there’s nothing better to mask defensive issues than an elite pass rusher and the Cowboys don’t have one of those. They entertained a trade for Maxx Crosby last weekend but now, it will be tough to find a premium edge defender. An underrated problem is the lack of depth at the position, which is why I don’t believe they’re done adding talent here.
Best veteran options (free agency): Joey Bosa (Buffalo Bills), Haason Reddick (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Best trade option: Jonathan Greenard (Minnesota Vikings)
Best draft options: Rueben Bain (Miami), David Bailey (Texas Tech), Keldric Faulk (Auburn), Akheem Mesidor (Miami), Cashius Howell (Texas A&M)
3. Cornerback
The Cowboys made a solid addition by signing Cobie Durant but uncertainty remains in the position group. Shavon Revel Jr. is expected to improve with his first healthy offseason in the NFL, but we still don’t know who he is at the NFL level. We also don’t know what DaRon Bland will look like with a second foot surgery in two years.
They have a viable cornerback group but a first-round upgrade in the NFL Draft feels like a must.
Best veteran options (free agency): Cam Taylor-Britt (Cincinnati Bengals), Rasul Douglas (Miami Dolphins)
Best draft options: Mansoor Delane (LSU), Avieon Terrell (Clemson) Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)
4. Offensive tackle
It may be too late for the Cowboys to find an upgrade in free agency but they appear to be confident in what they have. Well, that’s not quite true.
The Cowboys have made no indication of wanting to address needs on offense in free agency and they reworked Terence Steele’s contract to keep him at right tackle. But they have yet to close the door on the possibility of moving Tyler Smith to left tackle. Not to mention, Steele essentially took a pay cut.
I think the Cowboys have too many needs on defense to use a first-round pick at tackle, but the offense’s biggest problem in 2025 was pass protection on the edges. This is a need, like it or not.
Best draft option: Francis Mauigoa (Miami), Spencer Fano (Utah), Kadyn Proctor (Alabama), Monroe Freeling (Georgia)
5. Defensive tackle
The Cowboys are in a good spot starter-wise with Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark. But after they traded standout Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas, it’s tough to feel good about their depth.
The Cowboys may have a plan at the position because moving on from Thomas was just weird, especially because of his versatility to play all across the defensive line. I am expecting them to add someone they think is a better scheme fit before the draft.
Best free agency options: David Onyemata (Atlanta Falcons), DJ Reader (Detroit Lions)
Best draft options: Peter Woods (Clemson), Caleb Banks (Florida), Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)
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