Predicting Cowboys' Biggest Regrets from 2024 NFL Offseason
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2024 season with a whole lot of pressure to make a playoff run. After three consecutive 12-win regular seasons and just one playoff win to show for it, the franchise feels like it is at a tipping point.
That being said, the Cowboys had one of the most controversial offseasons. The move made very few big moves and didn't work out contract extensions for some of their best players either.
Every offseason is packed with important decisions for front offices. The Cowboys front office made a few good ones. Allowing Tyron Smith to walk was probably the right move. Drafting Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe look like positive moves thus far.
However, there are bound to be some decisions they come to regret. Here's a look at three that could have negative repercussions in a critical season.
Waiting to Extend Dak Prescott
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If you ain't first, you're last. It's great NASCAR advice if you're Ricky Bobby, but it also applies to getting quarterbacks to sign contract extensions.
The Dallas Cowboys could have extended Dak Prescott as early as last offseason. Instead, they have played the waiting game, allowing the quarterback to head into the final year of his contract without a new one in place.
In the meantime, Trevor Lawrence, Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa have all signed contract extensions that are at the top of the quarterback market. Lawrence and Love are tied with Joe Burrow for the highest average annual value at $55 million.
The cost of a good starting quarterback is only going to go up. Prescott might not have a lot of playoff success but neither do Lawrence, Love and Tagovailoa.
Starting over at quarterback is a dangerous proposition. Trey Lance showed in the preseason game that he still has a lot to work on and drafting a quarterback isn't going to be easy given how good the Cowboys should be this season.
Bringing Back Ezekiel Elliott
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The Cowboys made the right decision to let Ezekiel Elliott go last offseason. Tony Pollard didn't take over the lead back role as expected, but Elliott didn't exactly light it up in New England, either.
Moving on from Pollard was a fine decision in a vacuum. The Titans didn't overspend when they gave him a three-year, $21.8 million contract, but he didn't show the same burst that he had when he was Elliott's running mate.
Right now, it would appear that the Cowboys are relying on Rico Dowdle to take over the lead back responsibility. They brought back Elliott on a cheap $2 million contract. The problem is that Dowdle has just 96 career carries and hasn't really stood out in three years with the team.
It would be a lot easier to feel good about the Cowboys backfield if they had sprung for a back like D'Andre Swift, Devin Singletary or even Antonio Gibson.
Alternatively, they could have taken a running back in this year's draft that could have emerged as a star in Year 1 or 2.
Instead, they have an uninspiring backfield with a past-his-prime Elliott on a team that's supposed to be contending for the Super Bowl.
Not Adding One Veteran Offensive Lineman
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The Cowboys had a tough financial situation all offseason. Part of that was because the obvious way to clear some cap was to restructure and extend Dak Prescott. Instead, they are paying him over $50 million this season.
That pretty much left the Cowboys without the resources to add, or even retain, key players.
One place that will be evident this season is along the offensive line. The Cowboys are essentially relying on two rookies to take starting jobs at some point this season with Tyler Guyton at left tackle and Cooper Beebe at center.
Beebe has been competing with Brock Hoffman for the starting job on the inside. Meanwhile, the Cowboys backup plan at left tackle is Chuma Edoga.
The Cowboys allowed Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz to walk in free agency. Drafting to fill the long-term need is the right move, but it would have been wise to bring in some veteran depth to establish a higher floor at each position.
Instead, the Cowboys are relying on the rookies to figure it out or turn to another inexperienced option.
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