By Adeniyi Precious 
The Dallas Cowboys have had an unusually active start to free agency, making several signings and even pulling off two trades—something we’re not used to seeing from Jerry Jones and Co. But does all this movement actually make the team better? Our Cowboys roundtable—featuring Jess Haynie, David Howman, Tom Ryle, and Brian Martin—breaks it all down.
Dallas is Moving… But Are They Improving?
The Cowboys have added ten new players so far, including RBs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, defensive linemen Solomon Thomas, Payton Turner, and Dante Fowler, offensive guard Robert Jones, linebackers Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray Jr., and CB Kaiir Elam. On top of that, they re-signed 11 players. That’s more than we usually see from Dallas early in free agency.
But is this aggressive spending, or just a different way of doing the same old thing? Our panel has mixed feelings.
Brian: More active than usual, but still disappointing. No real roster upgrades, which means the draft remains critical.
Tom: Stephen Jones said they’d be “selectively aggressive,” which really meant signing second-tier players earlier than usual instead of bargain-hunting later. It’s progress, but not enough.
Jess: “Actively passive” is how I’d describe it. Yes, they made moves, but nothing that drastically improves the team. The draft remains their main focus.
Howman: Best-case scenario. Fans expecting a huge spending spree were always dreaming. The Cowboys made smart, cost-effective moves.
What Still Needs to Be Fixed?
Despite all the signings, Dallas still has some glaring needs heading into the draft.
Brian: CB and DT. They need to replace Jourdan Lewis in the slot and add depth, especially with concerns about Trevon Diggs’ return timeline.
Tom: CB, WR, and EDGE. If they hit those spots early in the draft, they’ll be in good shape.
Jess: WR is the biggest concern. Even if everyone is healthy, there’s no clear No. 2 option behind CeeDee Lamb.
Howman: WR was a need before free agency and still is. No real solutions left in free agency, so the draft is their best bet.
Who Backs Up Dak Now?
With Cooper Rush heading to Baltimore and Trey Lance unlikely to return, the Cowboys need a new QB2. Right now, Will Grier is the guy, but could they grab a rookie on Day 3 of the draft?
Brian: Not a fan of this QB class, but if they must draft one, Quinn Ewers or Tyler Shough could be options.
Tom: Grier as QB2 seems like the plan. A late-round QB with upside wouldn’t hurt, but not a priority.
Jess: Kyle McCord could be a solid fifth-round pick. Improved at Syracuse, which shows he can adapt.
Howman: Happy with Grier as the backup. If they do draft someone, Max Brosmer or Will Rogers have potential.
Final Thoughts
The Cowboys’ free agency period has been more active than usual, but opinions on whether they actually improved vary. The draft will be crucial to filling their remaining gaps, especially at WR and CB. And as for the backup QB spot? That might just stay Will Grier’s job unless Dallas finds a steal in the later rounds.
What do you think? Did the Cowboys do enough in free agency, or is this just more of the same?