Cowboys' Top Players to Avoid in 2024 NFL Free Agency

The Dallas Cowboys are going to experience some changes this offseason. Dallas already lost defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who was hired as the Washington Commanders' head coach, and are reportedly expected to replaced him with former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

The Cowboys could also potentially lose several key contributors in free agency, including Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr., Stephon Gilmore, Jayron Kearse, Tony Pollard and Tyron Smith.

With a $14.3 million projected cap deficit, the Cowboys will have to generate some additional salary space and weigh their free-agent options carefully.

With this in mind, let's examine three impending free agents who should not be on Dallas' 2024 wish list.

WR Mike Evans

Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 21: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on prior to an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 21, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

There's a very good chance that Dallas will be in the wide receiver market when free agency officially opens on March 13. The Cowboys have some decent depth now, but receivers Michael Gallup and Brandin Cooks are both potential cap casualties.

Releasing Gallup with a post-June 1 designation would save $9.5 million in cap space, while releasing Cooks with a post-June 1 designation would save $8 million in cap space.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans is coming off of his 10th consecutive 1,000-yard season and figures to be one of the bigger names on the market, if Tampa lets him reach it.

However, Evans is also set to turn 31 in August and is going to command a hefty salary. He has a projected market value of $23.8 million annually, which Dallas could likely only afford with a back-loaded deal.

With contract extensions looming for both CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, can't afford to commit a ton of future salary to Evans, who might only be a temporary fix at the receiver position anyway.

While Evans is still playing at a tremendous level, the dreaded cliff can strike older receivers unexpectedly.

OT Jonah Williams

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Jonah Williams #73 of the Cincinnati Bengals walks off of the field after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 16, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

There's no getting around the fact that the Cowboys will have to re-sign or replace Smith at left tackle this offseason. However, they could also afford an upgrade over Terence Steele at right tackle.

Steele was a liability on the right side and was responsible for seven penalties and eight sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus.

The 2024 free agency class isn't loaded with top-tier tackles, but 2019 first-round pick Jonah Williams might intrigue Dallas. He was moved from left to right tackle this past season and did perform better as a run blocker. He's also only 26 years old.

However, Williams was still a problem in pass protection. He was responsible for five penalties and eight sacks allowed, according to PFF.

While Williams might be an upgrade over Steele, he wouldn't be a major one. And his high draft status makes him far too costly for the Cowboys to consider.

Williams has a projected market value of $10.8 million annually. While that isn't overly expensive, it's more than Dallas should be willing to pay for incremental improvement.

RB Ezekiel Elliott

Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Orchard Park, NY - December 31: New England Patriots RB Ezekiel Elliott celebrates a touchdown. The Patriots lost to the Buffalo Bills, 27-21. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Pollard didn't quite pan out as Dallas' every-down back in 2023. He did tally 1,316 scrimmage yards, but he averaged a middling 4.0 yards per carry. The Cowboys offense ranked just 20th in yards per carry over the course of the season.

Dallas needs an influx of talent in its backfield, and the potential return of longtime Cowboys starter Ezekiel Elliott isn't as outlandish as it might seem. Dallas released Elliott last offseason for cap purposes but was reportedly open to a reunion.

"According to a source, the Cowboys may have been amenable to an Elliott return if he could be had for less than $3 million dollars," Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported in October.

However, Elliott signed with the New England Patriots and played the entire 2023 season with them. He'll be a free agent in March, which will re-open the proverbial door, but Dallas should steer clear.

While Elliott had a few bright moments with the Patriots, it's clear that his best days are behind him. The 28-year-old averaged just 3.5 yards per carry in New England, and he hasn't averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry since 2021.

Even on a budget deal, Elliott simply isn't efficient enough as a runner to give Dallas the offensive balance that it needs. The Cowboys may still target a back in free agency, but Elliott should be avoided.

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*Cap, contract and market information via Spotrac.