As the 2023 NFL season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys aim to capitalize on their 2022 success. Unlike some teams that are constantly rebuilding, the Cowboys’ front office consistently devises a plan for free agency and the draft. However, in order to restore their former glory, the team may need to break from their recent habits and spend money, which has become a popular strategy among teams seeking Super Bowl success, as demonstrated by the Rams, Buccaneers, Eagles, and Chiefs.
To follow suit, the Cowboys should spend money on impact players outside their organization, rather than relying solely on their drafting skills. While they may choose to retain some of their current players, their primary focus should be on bringing in new talent that can help them contend for the Super Bowl.
1. Sign a High-Value Free Agent
When adding free agents to a team’s roster, it can be challenging to strike a balance between immediate impact and avoiding locker room issues. The Dallas Cowboys are currently in this situation, needing to strengthen their receiving corps for the 2023 season. In 2022, they attempted to trade for a receiver but were unsuccessful. They even pursued Odell Beckham Jr., but his injury prevented a deal.
Now, Beckham Jr. is showcasing his workout routines on social media to demonstrate his readiness for the upcoming season. The Dallas front office should take notice and resume negotiations with Beckham Jr. and his representatives. Signing him would bring a significant boost to the Cowboys’ offense, with his exceptional route running abilities and versatility across all three receiver positions, taking some pressure off CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott.
Since the Cowboys were the closest team to securing Beckham Jr. in the past, they hold an advantage over other teams if they can start discussions early enough. A deal would be mutually beneficial for both sides and could be a win-win situation.
2. Sign Daron Payne
To bolster their defense, the Dallas Cowboys require an impact defensive lineman who can excel at run support and provide a pass-rush threat. Fortunately, Daron Payne, a free agent from the Commanders, possesses the ideal skillset to fill this role. Adding Payne to their already formidable defensive front would take their defense to new heights.
Payne’s exceptional combination of power and speed is not commonly found in a 320-pound defensive tackle, as evidenced by his impressive statistics of 40 tackles for loss and 26 sacks since joining the league.
Securing Payne’s services would be a significant accomplishment for the Cowboys, as it would enhance their run defense while simultaneously weakening a division rival. However, signing him will not be inexpensive. If the Cowboys want to make a big splash in free agency, this move may be one of the few significant ones from their front office.
3. Resign Leighton Vander Esch Quickly
Leighton Vander Esch was one of the most valuable players on the Cowboys’ roster in 2022, especially in terms of his exceptional run defense. Since joining the team in 2018 and accumulating 140 total tackles, Vander Esch has continued to impress.
If the Cowboys are wise, they will prioritize re-signing Vander Esch as soon as possible and negotiate a mutually beneficial deal. Pairing Vander Esch with Payne on the roster would make him an even greater obstacle for opposing offenses, particularly in the running game. Additionally, it would allow the Cowboys to focus on addressing other positions in the upcoming draft, rather than searching for linebackers.
Re-signing Vander Esch would also maintain the successful pairing of him and Micah Parsons, who have proven to be a formidable duo on the field together.
4. Sign a New Receiver
The Cowboys have made it clear that they intend to draft another wide receiver in 2023 to enhance their offense. However, signing a free-agent receiver will not be enough. If the team wishes to improve quickly, they will need to draft a receiver in either the first or second round of the draft.
Last season, the team attempted to fill this need with Jalen Tolbert, but he did not see any playing time. As a result, the team lacks confidence in his ability to step up in the upcoming season.
The Cowboys require a receiver who can elude press coverage and create space for Prescott to throw the ball with confidence. While there are several receiver options in this draft, the team should avoid eliminating prospects based on their size. As Tyreek Hill has demonstrated, a receiver’s size is insignificant if they possess the speed and agility to shake off defenders and outrun them.
5. Find a Supporting Cornerback
The Dallas Cowboys have secured Trevon Diggs as their primary cornerback for the long term. However, they lack a dependable player who can line up opposite Diggs. Although Anthony Brown may return on a team-friendly deal after his recent injury, the team still requires another talented cornerback to complement Diggs and rising star DaRon Bland and fortify the secondary.
A few years ago, the Cowboys missed out on one of the top cornerbacks in the 2021 draft, which left them vulnerable. Fortunately, this year’s draft class is stocked with highly skilled cornerbacks. The Cowboys should have the chance to acquire a top prospect in the first or second round.
If the Cowboys want to avoid teams solely targeting the receivers opposite Diggs, they cannot afford to overlook a cornerback prospect with either of their top picks this year. They must select a player who can hold his own in coverage and allow the dynamic defensive front to aggressively pursue the quarterback.
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