According to Bleacher Report’s Adam Wells, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been hesitant to invest in significant external free agent signings, with the last major deal being Gerald McCoy’s three-year, $18 million contract in March 2020. This reluctance may explain why the Cowboys have not made the playoffs in the past two seasons, as they are likely to need improvements through the draft or trades instead of free agency. 📉
In contrast, the four remaining teams in the NFC Playoffs each have at least one external free agent on their rosters who cost over $6 million. Notable signings include quarterback Sam Darnold with the Seattle Seahawks for $100.5 million and wide receiver Davante Adams with the Los Angeles Rams for $44 million. This highlights the impact that significant free agent acquisitions can have on a team’s success. 🌟
In 2025, the Cowboys did sign running back Javonte Williams for a one-year, $3 million deal, resulting in his best season yet. However, many of their other free agent signings were minor and had little impact, suggesting a missed opportunity to secure a game-changing player. 💔
Looking ahead, the Cowboys face a pressing need for an edge rusher, especially after trading Micah Parsons, but it seems unlikely they will pursue top-tier options. Experts emphasize the need for a more aggressive approach in free agency, particularly on defense, to avoid missing the playoffs again. If they continue to shy away from significant signings, the Cowboys risk stagnation in their performance. ⚠️
