Bargain Free-Agents Cowboys Must Target

Training camp is well under way for the Dallas Cowboys, and their August 11 preseason opener is quickly approaching. Soon, fans will get a better on-field look at how Dallas' 2024 roster is taking shape.

After losing key 2023 contributors like Tony Pollard, Tyron Smith, Tyler Biadasz and Dorance Armstrong in free agency, the new roster might have a few more weaknesses than the Cowboys planned to have.

Fortunately, there's still time to dip into the free-agent talent pool. The Cowboys have $11.3 million in cap space available, and some very talented veterans remain unsigned. With Dallas still needing to address the contracts of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, though, some of the bigger names might not make sense

With this in mind, let's examine three bargain free agents the Cowboys should target ahead of Week 1.

IOL Connor Williams

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Connor Williams #58 of the Miami Dolphins is introduced prior to a game against the Houston Texans at Hard Rock Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

The hope in Dallas is that rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe can immediately replace Smith and Biadasz at left tackle and center, respectively. However, both players are learning new positions, and Guyton was only a one-year starter in college.

Quality free-agent linemen are hard to find at this point in the offseason, but Connor Williams might be the perfect option for Dallas. The former Cowboys starter can play guard or center—he was a very good starting center with the Miami Dolphins over the last two years—and while he suffered a serious knee injury last season, he appears ready for a return.

"Williams, who is coming off season-ending knee surgery, expects to be ready for the start of the season and is in discussions with multiple teams about where to play in 2024," ESPN's Adam Schefter posted on X in June.

Adding Williams would give Dallas options. He could start at center if Beebe isn't ready for that role, and he could start at left guard if Guyton isn't ready and Dallas needs to move Tyler Smith over to the spot he played as a rookie.

At worst, Williams would provide valuable depth along the interior. His last contract was worth just over $7 million annually, but coming off the injury, Williams may settle for a more team-friendly deal.

Update: Agent Drew Rosenhaus told the Joe Rose Radio Show on Monday (h/t Scott Saloman of SI.com) that Williams is currently negotiating with the Seattle Seahawks.

RB Dalvin Cook

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 24: Dalvin Cook #33 of the New York Jets runs onto the field during team entrances before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

Dallas may have even bigger question marks at running back heading into the preseason. Losing 2023 starter Tony Pollard hurts, and the Cowboys haven't done nearly enough to reload their backfield.

Bringing back an aging Ezekiel Elliott and adding Royce Freeman won't be enough to give Dallas a top-tier rushing attack. Freeman has never been a full-time starter, and Elliott hasn't been a reliable one since the 2021 season.

While Dallas may wait until final roster cuts to add to the position, it should consider kicking the tires on four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook now. Cook appeared to lose a step in 2022 and struggled to get on the field with the New York Jets in 2023. However, he's only two years removed from a campaign with 1,173 rushing yards.

There's certainly no guarantee that Cook can return to Pro Bowl form, but after seeing little use last season, he might have fresher legs than he's had in some time. The potential reward of signing Cook should outweigh any risk—especially since he may need to reestablish his value on a low-money "prove-it" contract.

Cook signed a one-year, $7 million deal late last offseason but should be far more affordable after the most lackluster season of his career.

WR Russell Gage

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TAMPA, FL - AUG 13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver Russell Gage (3) goes thru a drill during Training Camp on August 13, 2023 at the AdventHealth Training Center at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

While the Cowboys had the league's fifth-ranked passing attack in 2023, there are some serious concerns about their receiving corps heading into the preseason. They start with Lamb, who has been skipping practices while trying to leverage for a contract extension.

According to franchise owner Jerry Jones, contract talks with Lamb and Prescott are ongoing.

"They're just progressing, in my mind," Jones said about discussions with Lamb, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic.

The depth behind Lamb is also questionable following the departure of Michael Gallup this offseason. Brandin Cooks was a serviceable second option in 2023, with 54 catches and 657 receiving yards, but neither Jalen Tolbert nor Jalen Brooks has proven much at the pro level.

Dallas should take a long look at Russell Gage, who should be available at a bargain price after missing all of 2023 with a torn patellar tendon.

Gage was a capable third receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022, finishing with 51 catches and 426 yards. In both 2020 and 2021, he topped 700 receiving yards for the Atlanta Falcons.

While adding Gage wouldn't generate many headlines in Dallas, it would help ensure that Prescott has a functional receiving corps in what might be his final season with the franchise.

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*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.