Dallas Cowboys should make a savvy gamble by taking a swing at signing division rival in upcoming free agency
The Dallas Cowboys aren't the kind of NFL team that likes to spend in free agency. That much is clear. However, with a long list of needs this offseason, they might be forced to make a move or two. With that in mind, fans and media members alike should know the kind of player they're interested […]
The Dallas Cowboys aren't the kind of NFL team that likes to spend in free agency. That much is clear. However, with a long list of needs this offseason, they might be forced to make a move or two.
With that in mind, fans and media members alike should know the kind of player they're interested in when it comes to the openn market: Bargains. You won't see Jerry and Stephen Jones taking a swing at landing the top names on the market. You just won't.
But if the hand dealt is a free agent who can be described as a low-risk, high-reward gamble, they'll think about pushing their chips into the pot. That's why division rival edge rusher Azeez Ojulari from the New York Giants could make sense for them when free agency kicks off next week.
In a recent article outlining his free agency profile, colleague Wendell Ferreira and I described Ojulari as a valuable target with upside and "the best value (at edge rusher), and in terms of roster-building process, the best available bet is Azeez Ojulari."
There's no denying the former Giants' second-round draft pick has been productive in his career. He's averaged eight sacks per 17 games played. The problem? He's missed six games in each of the last three seasons. Below is an excerpt from our breakdown.
Ojulari's production and cost
"Ojulari is a tough player to figure out. He's had respectable sack totals in each of his first four years in the NFL, averaging eight sacks per 17 games played. However, he's played only one full season and the high sack total isn't backed up by more detailed pass rushing metrics, including pressure rate. Six sacks in 2024 tied him for 56th in the NFL, but his pass rush win rate ranked 96th, per PFF.
He finished the 2024 season with only 22 pressures, good for 81st in the NFL. His explosiveness is there, though, and playing on a better defense should help make that evident.
He's likely to be a relatively cheap signing, which is a big part of the calculus here. While Sweat is projected to make $18 million a year and Young to get $17 million, Ojulari is expected to sign a two-year, $15.1 million deal ($7.6 million in yearly average).
Cowboys need to add edge rushers
With DeMarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston heading into free agency, the Cowboys have little to no threats at the position outside of superstar Micah Parsons. Pairing him with a 25-year old like Ojulari could be a savvy gamble.
Sam Williams is returning from injury and Marshawn Kneeland should be improved in his second year in the NFL. However, Ojulari has a proven record of producing pressure. Though that production comes with its fair share of question marks, it's something no other DE on the Cowboys besides Parsons can claim.
