By Adeniyi Precious 
It’s fair to give the Dallas Cowboys some credit for how they’ve handled this offseason so far. While they didn’t go on a reckless spending spree, they actually made some moves—something fans have been asking for.
For years, the Cowboys have had a reputation for sitting out the early frenzy of free agency, content to watch other teams make big signings. But this year? They’ve been more proactive. Whether it’s because the front office finally recognized a problem or fans annoyed them into action, something changed.
A Busy Offseason—By Cowboys Standards
Let’s be clear: the Cowboys didn’t go out and sign a bunch of superstars. But they did make key moves to address roster needs. Here’s what they’ve done so far:
Re-signed Osa Odighizuwa (without using the franchise tag)
Retained key exclusive rights free agents
Signed RB Javonte Williams to add depth to the backfield
Brought in OL Rob Jones for interior line help
Added DL Solomon Thomas for defensive line depth
Re-signed KaVontae Turpin without placing a tender
Signed EDGE Payton Turner for pass rush depth
Turned two compensatory picks into CB Kaiir Elam and LB Kenneth Murray
Signed LB Jack Sanborn, a player familiar with Matt Eberflus’ system
Brought in veteran RB Miles Sanders
Re-signed EDGE Dante Fowler, who spent a year away from the team
Signed WR Parris Campbell
This level of activity is uncharacteristic for Dallas. Last year, they were the last team in the NFL to sign an external free agent. Their first addition, LB Eric Kendricks, had originally agreed to sign with the 49ers before changing his mind. That’s how slow they were moving.
“Selectively Aggressive”
Cowboys VP Stephen Jones called their approach “selectively aggressive,” which is a pretty annoying phrase, but it does seem accurate. The moment they received their compensatory picks, they flipped two of them for established veterans at positions of need. That’s not something they usually do.
Of course, there are still things they haven’t handled. Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland, and Tyler Smith still need contract extensions. That’s something that should’ve already been done. But at least they’ve avoided making bad headlines, unlike DeMarcus Lawrence, who took shots at the team on his way out. His comments were sharp enough that Micah Parsons clapped back, and even Osa Odighizuwa and Trevon Diggs subtly joined in.
A Step in the Right Direction
Are the Cowboys suddenly Super Bowl favorites? Not yet. But for once, it feels like they’re listening. They’ve addressed needs without overpaying and taken a more active approach in free agency.
There’s still plenty of work to do, but after years of frustration, it’s fair to say Dallas is at least trying to change. Now, they just have to keep it up.