Bargain Contracts Cowboys Must Consider in 2024 NFL Free Agency

The first wave of NFL free agency came and went without the Dallas Cowboys registering so much as a ripple.

They were the last team to sign an external free agent and didn't do so during the legal tampering period. Instead, the Cowboys took a more passive approach before agreeing to a one-year deal with 32-year-old linebacker Eric Kendricks.

That's not exactly what Cowboys fans envisioned when Jerry Jones said the team was all-in for 2024 at the Senior Bowl.

All is not lost, though. There are still some players on the market who are capable of helping bolster the Cowboys roster. Most of the big names are gone but the Cowboys only have $7.7 million in cap space anyway.

The key will be finding some players on team-friendly deals who could pay big dividends. Here's a look at three budget contracts the Cowboys should consider offering.

EDGE Carl Lawson

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Carl Lawson

With Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. both following Dan Quinn to the Washington Commanders, a once-deep position has some depth concerns for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys could go to the draft to address the need, but some veterans on the market could help right away.

One that stands out as a fit is Carl Lawson. The 28-year-old has a connection to new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. The defensive end played for Zimmer when the two were with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Lawson left for the Jets in 2022 free agency and enjoyed his best season with seven sacks and 24 quarterback hits. However, he was a non-factor for the Jets defense this season.

In Lawson's defense, he dealt with injuries throughout the season and was limited to six games. The Jets also had a deep rotation of pass-rushers that made it hard for him to get on the field.

Given Lawson's injury history (he missed all of 2021 with an Achilles tear) and lack of production last season he should be available for cheap. But if he returns to his 2022 form he will bring a lot of value.

Proposed Contract: One-year, $3 million

C Mason Cole

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Mason Cole

Tyler Biadasz was another notable member of the Cowboys exodus to Washington. Dan Quinn was able to snag the Cowboys' starting center, giving them another need along the offensive line with Tyron Smith also departing.

Again, the long-term solution at the position probably lies in the draft. However, the Cowboys have other needs that also need to be addressed so it would benefit them to sign at least one veteran who is good enough to start.

Mason Cole didn't play well enough to keep his job in Pittsburgh, but he isn't a complete liability. He only allowed two sacks while earning a 57.3 grade from PFF with four penalties.

Cole will be 28 when the season starts and has 73 starts across six seasons with three teams. He would provide a reasonable floor at the position while providing a longer runway for a draft pick to be ready to start.

A few centers have earned nice contracts in this free agent cycle. Lloyd Cushbenberry topped them all with a four-year, $50 million contract.

Cole isn't likely to get anywhere near that. This will be his fourth team since joining the league in 2018. The Cowboys should offer something similar to what Chicago gave Coleman Shelton to leave the Rams.

Proposed Contract: One-year, $3.5 million

RB J.K. Dobbins

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J.K. Dobbins

It's no surprise that the Cowboys running back room will look different in 2024.

Tony Pollard had a disappointing season while playing on the franchise tag. Now he's set to play for the Tennessee Titans on a three-year, $21 million contract. That type of deal would have been hard for the Cowboys to fit into their financial picture anyway, but they probably needed to move in another direction anyway.

The club re-signed Rico Dowdle, but that doesn't complete the backfield. The 26-year-old isn't ready to be the featured back in the offense. They'll need more options to create a viable backfield by committee approach.

That could mean adding a back through the draft, but it could also mean targeting a cheap, high potential free agent.

J.K. Dobbins, who is a former second-round pick, fits that bill. He had a promising rookie campaign with 925 total yards and nine touchdowns but injuries have kept him from breaking out.

This year, his season was ended by an Achilles tear one game into the season.

Now Dobbins is still looking for a home and the Ravens have signed Derrick Henry. He should be willing to play on a one-year "prove-it" deal that could be beneficial for both parties.

Proposed Contract: One-year, $2 million