By Solomon 
The Cowboys used to be big spenders in free agency, throwing around cash like an “Evil Empire.” Remember when they signed Drew Bledsoe, Terrell Owens, and Deion Sanders? Those big moves helped them win three Super Bowls back in the day.
But now? Not so much. These days, the Cowboys are more like bargain hunters in free agency. Even though they’re the most valuable sports franchise in the world—worth $10.1 billion—they spend less on free agents than any other NFL team. Over the past decade, they’ve averaged just $37.8 million per year on free agents, dead last in the league.
So, where does the money go? Mostly to their own guys. They’ve spent over half a billion dollars in the last three years keeping homegrown talent like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Trevon Diggs, and Osa Odighizuwa. And soon, Micah Parsons and Tyler Smith will be in line for massive deals too.
Fans, however, are getting frustrated. The Cowboys haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1995, and many feel like they aren’t doing enough to improve the team. While other franchises go after big names in free agency, the Cowboys prefer to “draft and develop.” They’d rather keep their own players than chase after expensive free agents.
Stephen Jones, the team’s COO, understands the criticism. He says the Cowboys deserve credit for keeping their core players together, even though fans get upset when key guys like Tony Pollard and Tyler Biadasz leave. Pollard, the team’s top rusher last season, just signed with Tennessee, while Biadasz is headed to Washington.
This offseason, the Cowboys had 22 free agents, and so far, they’ve only re-signed special teams player C.J. Goodwin and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. Running back Rico Dowdle is testing the market, and with the Cowboys holding the 12th overall pick in the draft, they may look for a new running back early.
At quarterback, backups Trey Lance and Cooper Rush are both free agents. Lance won’t return, and Rush’s future is uncertain. The Cowboys may draft a young QB to develop behind Prescott.
Meanwhile, the offense needs more playmakers. Veteran receiver Brandin Cooks might be leaving, and there aren’t many weapons left. If the Cowboys want a game-changer, they’ll have to find one through trades or the draft.
Bottom line: The Cowboys aren’t making splashy free-agent moves, and they don’t seem likely to start now. Whether their patient approach pays off remains to be seen.