The franchise tag deadline has come and gone, and many relevant things played out for the Dallas Cowboys. For one, the team worked out a deal with quarterback Dak Prescott prior to the deadline.

That is undoubtedly the biggest news. That said, other teams around the league made moves that could impact the Cowboys' free agent strategy when the new league begins on March 17th.

From potential defensive targets getting tagged by their respective teams to other intriguing names hitting the open market, there is a lot to recap from the franchise tag deadline.

KEY SAFETIES ARE OFF THE TABLE FOR COWBOYS

One of the biggest needs on the Dallas Cowboys roster is at safety. The Cowboys need talent all over the secondary, but safety is position where Dallas has largely ignored over the years. Adding a quality safety for Dan Quinn to work with would be very nice.

This year's free agent safety class is — or was — loaded with talent. Justin Simmons, Marcus Maye, and Marcus Williams are just three players up for new deals. Our own Mauricio Rodriguez wrote that Williams is the player that the Cowboys needed to go after this offseason.

Unfortunately, all three safeties have been placed on the franchise tag by their respective teams. The Broncos, Jets, and Saints opted against letting their talented defensive backs hit the free agent market. It would have been a hard pill to swallow to lose them for nothing.

The Dallas Cowboys now must look elsewhere at safety this offseason.

OTHER OPTIONS REMAIN POSSIBILITIES

Three big time safeties are off of the board. That said, there are still some quality options that will be on the free agent market. One that has played for Dan Quinn, even.

Keanu Neal is a free agent after the Atlanta Falcons decided against tagging the 2016 first-rounder. Neal has had an injury-riddled career, but he has flashed big time talent when on the field. His connection to Cowboys defensive coordinator is why some think he could be a real possibility for Dallas.

There are some high hopes for Donovan Wilson in the secondary for the Cowboys. So, that might keep Dallas from pursuing the Florida Gators prospect. Still, Neal is someone to have on the radar.

Malik Hooker is another option at safety. Like Neal, Hooker has had real issues with the injury bug throughout his career. There is a high possibility that Hooker could be had for cheap this offseason. He was recently named the most underrated safety on the market by Pro Football Focus.

MORE NOTABLE MOVES AROUND THE LEAGUE

The NFL was busy on Tuesday. Teams around the league worked to get deals done or place the franchise tag on players prior to the deadline. Here is some things that you may have missed during all of the craziness:

Updated Top 10 free agents available:

1. D̶a̶k̶ ̶P̶r̶e̶s̶c̶o̶t̶t̶
2. C̶h̶r̶i̶s̶ ̶G̶o̶d̶w̶i̶n̶
3. Trent Williams
4. A̶l̶l̶e̶n̶ ̶R̶o̶b̶i̶n̶s̶o̶n̶
5. J̶J̶ ̶W̶a̶t̶t̶
6. B̶r̶a̶n̶d̶o̶n̶ ̶S̶c̶h̶e̶r̶f̶f̶
7. Von Miller
8. Shaq Barrett
9. J̶u̶s̶t̶i̶n̶ ̶S̶i̶m̶m̶o̶n̶s̶
10. Lavonte David

— PFSN (@PFSN365) March 9, 2021

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise tagged wide receiver Chris Godwin, as many expected.
• Chicago Bears tagged wide receiver Allen Robinson. Robinson was thought to be a target for the Washington Football Team. Washington missed out on Amari Cooper last offseason.
• Detroit Lions opted against tagging wide receiver Kenny Golladay. Golladay is now the premier pass catcher on the market.
• New York Giants tagged defensive tackle Leonard Williams. That means defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson is free to sign with any team. Dallas could be a player for Tomlinson.
• Tennesee Titans released defensive back Malcolm Butler. Butler is the latest quality defensive back to hit free agency.
• Defensive lineman Carl Lawson is now a free agent. Lawson was a Cowboys Twitter favorite ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft. Dallas would be smart to pursue the Auburn Tigers product.

Things are just now getting started in the National Football League for the 2021 offseason.

The biggest thing on the Dallas Cowboys' to-do list is completed. Now, the team must turn its attention elsewhere in order to compete in the upcoming season.

Featured image via Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports