Cowboys' Early Report Card for Most Impactful Offseason Decisions
The Dallas Cowboys have been hanging around with the league's top contenders over the past three years but they aren't one of them. Head coach Mike McCarthy has helped produce three straight 12-win seasons but only a single playoff win.
In 2023, Dallas' season ended with a lopsided playoff loss to the upstart Green Bay Packers.
Yet, franchise owner Jerry Jones seems to be content with the idea of having a chance and hoping that the end result is different.
"I like what the team has done to hang around the rim," Jones told reporters at the Senior Bowl. "...let's don't discount hanging around the rim."
While many fans might have expected otherwise, the Cowboys haven't made many changes or additions this offseason. The roster looks very much like it did a year ago, though Dallas has made a few decisions that could impact the course of the 2024 season.
Here, we'll examine the Cowboys' biggest decisions of the 2024 offseason so far and provide grades based on factors like cost, risk and potential upside.
Hiring Mike Zimmer as Defensive Coordinator
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The biggest change the Cowboys have seen so far wasn't really their choice. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn departed to become head coach of the rival Washington Commanders.
Dallas did, however, make the decision to bring in Mike Zimmer as Quinn's replacement.
Zimmer hasn't coached in the NFL since being fired as the Minnesota Vikings head coach after the 2021 season. However, he is a very experienced defensive play caller who served as Dallas' coordinator from 2000 to 2006. He began his coaching career with the Cowboys as an assistant back in 1994.
The 67-year-old has extensive knowledge of the organization, and his stern style of leadership might help Dallas' defense be more disciplined this season.
"I think he's gonna hold us accountable this year. And that's something that we need," cornerback C.J. Goodwin said, per Patrik Walker of the team's official website.
Of course, an old-school approach to coaching doesn't always resonate with modern NFL players, and this wasn't exactly an inspired hiring. Jones is once again going with a retread coach, as he did when he hired McCarthy four years ago.
Dallas certainly could have done worse, but hiring Zimmer does have the potential to backfire.
Grade: B-
Signing LB Eric Kendricks
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Dallas' one big free-agency decision involved bringing in linebacker Eric Kendricks, who previously played for Zimmer with the Vikings. According to Kendricks, the coach's presence played a role in his decision to pivot away from the San Francisco 49ers and sign with the Cowboys.
"The level of detail and the amount of football that I learned with Zimm was tremendous," Kendricks said, per Nick Eatman of the team's official website. "I feel like I'll never take that for granted and that's why I'm back with him right now."
Kendricks is a big get for Dallas, which struggled to stop the run far too often in 2023. The do-it-all linebacker may be 32, but he's still playing at a high level.
Last season, Kendricks appeared in 15 games with the Chargers and finished with 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss.
Dallas lacked a quality off-ball linebacker in 2023, and adding Kendricks helps to address the situation. Perhaps more importantly, he'll provide a leadership role while helping Zimmer to install his defense.
Grade: B+
Releasing WR Michael Gallup
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The Cowboys released linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who suffered yet another neck injury in 2023. That move was pretty much expected. The Cowboys also released wide receiver Michael Gallup in a move that wasn't guaranteed to happen.
Two years ago—despite the receiver coming off a torn ACL—Dallas signed Gallup to a five-year, $57.5 million extension. That was a mistake, and Jones doesn't frequently like to admit mistakes.
Pulling the plug on Gallup, who had just 418 receiving yards last season, was a wise decision, even if it stung. The Cowboys released him with a post-June 1 designation, which will save $9.5 million in cap space.
That extra money could prove to be incredibly valuable for a couple of reasons. For one, it may allow Dallas to make a few more additions in the second and third waves of free agency.
Secondly, the Cowboys may need the added financial flexibility in their attempt to extend quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Both payers are entering the final year of their contracts, and Dallas doesn't carry much leverage with either player.
Lamb just watched Calvin Ridley sign a four-year, $92 million deal in free agency. He can expect a massive deal if he reaches free agency in 2024. Prescott is set to carry a cap hit of $59.5 million in 2024. The idea of taking a huge payday and then entering 2025 free agency will be appealing.
If keeping Prescott and Lamb is part of Jones' plan to "hang around the rim," Dallas may have to put a good amount of money up front.
Grade: A+
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