The Cowboys lost a devastating game to the 49ers, but it’s now time to rebuild for next year. Dallas has 21 free agents and must keep some of these players.
Talk about disappointment. The Dallas Cowboys was the only team at home to lose the Wild Card Round. They lost in a typical fashion with the final play and inability to get the spike off before the time expired.
Now Jerry Jones and Co. are heading into the offseason with many questions. Although some fans would like Mike McCarthy to leave the building, it feels like a pipe dream. During interviews for their head coaching positions, Kellen Moore or Dan Quinn could be replaced by the club.
There are still ways to improve the roster. The Cowboys will have 21 unrestricted, free agents this offseason. Some of these players are too important to be let go.
Dallas is currently $13 Million over the cap. However, financial gymnastics can make it possible to clear up plenty of space (and they don’t need to release Amari Cooper). America’s Team must ensure that these players have a star on their helmets in 2022 if we are making a priority list.
The Cowboys’ decision on how to handle wide receiver Michael Gallup has been a major question heading into the offseason. Gallup’s injury to his ACL late in the season complicates matters, but all indications point to a strong market for free agency.
Gallup will be expensive because of this. Cedrick Wilson, who is also free of charge and a cheaper option for Dallas, could be a good choice.
Wilson was able to step in for Gallup in his many absences and had a solid impact on the offense. He proved that he is a reliable third option when it comes to the passing game alongside CeeDee Lamb and Cooper. Wilson is the better choice for Dallas going forward, as he will be less expensive due to cap woes.
Bryan Anger is an important weapon for Cowboys special teams
Although it might not be the most interesting addition to this list, the Cowboys would be guilty of special teams malpractice if Bryan Anger, the Cowboys’ punter, isn’t they?
Anger was quiet, one of the most skilled punters in the NFL during the past season. Anger was the league’s leader in average net yards per punt for the year. He was also a reliable veteran leg for the unit, switching field positions on many occasions and almost never making the back-breaking mistakes that can ruin a team’s chances.
Special teams are the one thing that this team cannot ignore. As such, Anger must be kept in check.
Cowboys must keep a somewhat intact safety core with Damontae Kazee
Most Cowboys fans will confirm that the Cowboys have been looking for answers for years at the safety position. Dallas found the much-needed safety help this season, despite not using a premium pick, much to the dismay of fans and analysts alike. This was largely due to former Falcon Damontae Kazee.
Although Kazee was a flawed player, Quinn used his versatility and coverage instincts to move Kazee around and benefit all levels of defense. This is something that the club should keep in mind moving forward. The good news? He shouldn’t be expensive to retain.
Jayron Kearse was selected for the Cowboys team in 2022
If you looked at the roster prior to the 2021 season, there would have been very few people who would have said Jayron Kearse, a veteran safety, was going be a key part of the defense. The experienced defensive back was an unexpected addition to the team and played a key role in Dallas’ defense this past season.
Although Kearse is not an all-down player, his ability to fill the role and provide adequate coverage was evident throughout the regular season. He made big and timely plays that helped the team get into a great spot. He’ll be a year older but he earned another contract with the organization.
Randy Gregory is a Cowboys’ sworn enemy.
The Cowboys must guard this greatest free agent.
Randy Gregory’s life has not been easy or consistent. Gregory has been through multiple suspensions and spent time away from football but he returned to the Cowboys this season. He was clearly the Cowboys most dominant player when he came off the edge. He’s also not as loose-legged as he was in his early career, and he shows more polish.
Gregory is a must-have piece in this defense, despite the fact that DeMarcus Lawrence is still under contract and Micah Parsons being able to rush down, Gregory’s edge is irreplaceable and Dallas must do everything possible to make sure that Gregory doesn’t play for one of the 31 other teams in 2022.