BREAKING NEWS: Cowboys’ Failing Report Card a Result of ‘Bizarre’ Free Agency Moves…………

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most iconic teams, have long been expected to compete for championships year in and year out. However, as we review the team’s 2024 season performance, it’s clear that a variety of unexpected and head-scratching moves during free agency have contributed to the Cowboys’ underwhelming report card. Despite having an elite roster in some areas, a series of bizarre decisions in the offseason have left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads as to what went wrong.

A Rocky Start: The Cowboys’ Free Agency Approach

Heading into the 2024 free agency period, the Cowboys were in a position to make moves that would solidify their status as Super Bowl contenders. With Dak Prescott at quarterback, a solid defensive line, and an explosive receiving corps led by CeeDee Lamb, there was plenty of promise. However, the team’s free-agent activity took a turn that would hinder its efforts.

The most puzzling move came when the Cowboys chose not to retain some of their veteran defensive stars, allowing key players to walk. The departure of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and cornerback Anthony Brown left a massive hole in the defense, one that the Cowboys never truly managed to fill in the subsequent months. Both players had been integral parts of the team’s success over the last few seasons, and their absence was immediately felt.

The decision to let Vander Esch go, in particular, raised eyebrows given the increasing importance of linebacker play in today’s pass-heavy NFL. While some speculated that the Cowboys were looking to get younger, there was little evidence that the team had an established replacement who could step in and fill the void.

Underwhelming Signings and Missed Opportunities

Another key issue was the Cowboys’ approach to free-agent signings. While many teams made splash moves to improve their rosters, Dallas took a more conservative approach that left them behind the curve. The team signed a few depth players and role players in free agency, but none of the acquisitions were game-changers.

One of the most confounding signings was that of a mid-tier offensive tackle who was coming off a season riddled with injuries. The signing was perplexing, as the Cowboys had already invested in their offensive line, and the tackle in question had not proven to be a significant upgrade over what was already available. Fans had hoped for a splash move on the offensive line, perhaps an acquisition that could instantly boost the Cowboys’ protection for Prescott. Instead, the team settled for a player who was more of a “flier” than a reliable starter.

Additionally, there were whispers that the Cowboys missed out on a number of key players at critical positions, most notably wide receivers and defensive backs. Teams around the NFL were securing top-tier players like wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Stefon Diggs, both of whom could have taken the Cowboys’ offense to the next level. The Cowboys, however, failed to make an aggressive push for these elite talents and were left to depend on a mixture of aging veterans and unproven youth.

The Dysfunctional Offense

While the Cowboys’ defense was able to hold its ground for most of the season, the offense was where the team really faltered. The failure to make an impactful move in free agency to bolster the receiving corps was one of the biggest missteps of the offseason. CeeDee Lamb was fantastic, but the lack of a true number two receiver made it difficult for Prescott to move the ball effectively. Michael Gallup, who was expected to be that secondary weapon, struggled with consistency and wasn’t able to step up in the way the team hoped.

The offensive line, already aging and often injured, didn’t get the boost it needed to protect Prescott, which led to pressure mounting on the quarterback throughout the season. Running back Tony Pollard also suffered from a lack of holes to run through, resulting in an inefficient rushing attack.

Defensive Lapses and Missed Chances

Defensively, the Cowboys seemed to do enough to keep them in games, but their inability to secure crucial stops in key moments led to disappointing losses. The absence of Vander Esch and the lack of an impactful addition to the linebacker core became apparent as the season went on. The team was unable to cover the middle of the field effectively and struggled against teams with strong running games.

The cornerbacks, too, had their share of struggles. While Trevon Diggs was able to showcase his ball skills, his tendency to take risks left the defense vulnerable to big plays. Adding depth at the cornerback position was essential, but the Cowboys did little to address the issue through free agency or the draft.

A Lack of Aggression

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the Cowboys’ free agency strategy was the lack of aggression. At a time when many NFL teams were going all-in to secure their future, the Cowboys appeared content to sit back and let opportunities pass them by. Given the wealth of talent already on the roster, it seemed like the perfect time to take a calculated risk and make a splash in free agency. Instead, the Cowboys remained stagnant, and that passivity has been reflected in their underwhelming performance.

Conclusion

As the 2024 season draws to a close, the Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads. Their failure to capitalize on free agency opportunities has been a key factor in their disappointing performance. While the roster still features a number of star players, the lack of impactful signings and the failure to address glaring weaknesses have left the team struggling to compete at the highest level.

In hindsight, it’s clear that the Cowboys’ free agency decisions were a major misstep, and as the season progresses, questions about the team’s direction and leadership will only grow louder. The hope for many Cowboys fans is that ownership and management will learn from these mistakes and become more aggressive in future offseasons, especially if they want to return to their former glory and contend for championships in the years ahead.