The Dallas Cowboys are set to enter a crucial offseason, with several key players’ futures hanging in the balance. As the scouting combine in Indianapolis gets underway, Cowboys chief operating officer and co-owner Stephen Jones sat down with The Dallas Morning News to discuss the team’s approach to the upcoming free agency period.
One of the primary decisions facing the team is whether to retain defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who has been a reliable presence on the defensive line. "We have had negotiations with Osa," Jones said. "I just think Osa is a really good football player. He’s an important piece."
The Cowboys have been reluctant to use the franchise or transition tag on players in recent years, but Jones left open the possibility that they could use one of these tags to keep Odighizuwa from hitting the open market. "It’s a tool," he said. "We’ll just see how this week goes and how our visits go."
Another key decision will be the fate of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who is coming off a season cut short by injury. "We don’t know that one yet," Jones said. "We’re going to meet with his agent here." Lawrence turns 33 in two months and has been a mainstay of the Cowboys’ defensive line for over a decade.
The Cowboys are also eager to bring back several other free agents, including cornerback Jourdan Lewis and running back Rico Dowdle. "We’re very interested in getting J Lew back," Jones said. "And the same with Rico, obviously. Rico had a great year. He got most of his yards in half a season, once we got back committed to the run."
The team is also expected to be more aggressive in free agency this year, with the salary cap increasing by more than anticipated. "I think there’s probably a good chance of that," Jones said. "Between what we lost last year and what we have free this year, I think that’s part of it. Every year is its own year."
The team is also set to begin negotiations with linebacker Micah Parsons, who is due for an extension. "I don’t know the exact timing of that, so I don’t want to get out over my skis there," Jones said. "But negotiations will begin in the coming weeks."
The Cowboys have been busy this offseason, with several key moves already made. The team signed linebacker Eric Kendricks and running back Royce Freeman in the first phase of free agency, and are now looking to make more moves. "We will be selectively strategic and aggressive," Jones said.
FAQs
Q: Will the Cowboys use the franchise tag on Osa Odighizuwa?
A: The team has not ruled out using the franchise tag, but has not made a decision yet.
Q: What is the Cowboys’ plan for DeMarcus Lawrence?
A: The team is still evaluating his situation and will meet with his agent to discuss his future.
Q: Will the Cowboys be aggressive in free agency?
A: Yes, the team is expected to be more aggressive in free agency this year due to an increase in the salary cap.
Q: What is the Cowboys’ plan for Micah Parsons?
A: The team will begin negotiations with Parsons’ representative in the coming weeks.
Q: Will the Cowboys bring back Jourdan Lewis and Rico Dowdle?
A: Yes, the team is interested in bringing back both players.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys have several key decisions to make this offseason, with free agency just around the corner. The team is eager to retain several key players, including Osa Odighizuwa, Jourdan Lewis, and Rico Dowdle, and is expected to be more aggressive in free agency. With the salary cap increasing by more than anticipated, the team is poised to make some big moves in the coming weeks.
