The Dallas Cowboys’ Upcoming Free Agents: Stay or Go?
Chauncey Golston, Defensive End
As the NFL offseason is in full swing, the Dallas Cowboys are shifting their focus to the draft and free agency. After a 7-10 finish, the team has a long list of players hitting the market in a few weeks. In this series, we’ll offer a breakdown of the Cowboys’ upcoming free agents and why they may or may not continue their playing careers in Dallas.
Our series continues with Chauncey Golston, a defensive lineman who stepped up in 2024 as Dallas battled injuries at edge rusher:
Name, Position: Chauncey Golston, Defensive End
Cowboys
Age, Experience: 27, four years (was drafted by Dallas in 2021)
2024 Contract: Was in the final year of his rookie contract, had a $1.56 million cap hit.
Market Value: 3 years, $21.98 million (per Spotrac)
Summary: Golston was one of Dallas’ most productive defenders last season. With defensive weapons like DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons battling injuries, Dallas needed some of its depth pieces at edge rusher to step up. Golston delivered, posting 56 total tackles, eight quarterback hits, 5.5 sacks, five tackles for loss and an interception. Dallas originally selected Golston with the 84th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
Why He Might Stay:
Now that he’s shown what he can do with more playing time, why not continue to build in Dallas? Even with Parsons continuing to dominate when he returned from injury, last season proved the Cowboys need reliable depth at defensive end. Although they’re switching to a new scheme under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Golston would have familiarity with his surroundings and could line up at defensive end or defensive tackle.
Why He Might Go:
His price tag is expected to rise now that he’s hitting the market. While Dallas has prioritized re-signing its own playmakers in the past, will the team make an effort to re-sign a player like Golston? He proved he can handle his role as part of a defensive line rotation, but free agency could give Golston a chance to start elsewhere.
More from the ‘Stay or Go?’ series:
- QB Trey Lance
- QB Cooper Rush
- RB Rico Dowdle
- CB Jourdan Lewis
Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion:
Chauncey Golston has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line. While he may have a higher price tag in the market, his reliability and versatility make him an attractive option for the team. However, the Cowboys may choose to prioritize other free agents or opt for younger players in the draft. Either way, Golston will be a player to watch in the coming weeks as free agency unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is Chauncey Golston’s market value?
A: According to Spotrac, Golston’s market value is 3 years, $21.98 million.
Q: How many years of experience does Chauncey Golston have?
A: Golston has four years of experience in the NFL.
Q: When was Chauncey Golston drafted by the Dallas Cowboys?
A: Golston was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2021.
Q: What is Chauncey Golston’s current contract status?
A: Golston was in the final year of his rookie contract, with a $1.56 million cap hit in 2024.
