Cowboys to see 14 players enter free agency in 2024
Following the unexpected conclusion of the 2023 season, the Dallas Cowboys are now focusing on the next offseason, as 14 players from the previous team—including important players on all three phases of the team—will be available for free agency.
These are the 14 players who will be available for free when the market opens on March 13. They will all be free agents without limitations.
Tyron Smith (13 seasons with DAL) As the offseason heats up, one of the more intriguing stories to watch will be the upcoming free agency of starting left tackle Tyron Smith. Although his outstanding on-field performance in 2023 was undoubtedly advantageous, his off-field behavior is where the risk resides. Is Smith well enough to be brought back, and is he available? If yes, how much and for how long? Before deciding on the future Hall of Famer, they are the questions that need to be addressed.
Tony Pollard (5 seasons with DAL) The Cowboys decided to use their franchise tag this past season on Tony Pollard, who signed to the tag on a $10.09 million deal. Now, the front office will have to make another decision on what to do with its starting running back. They can either try and put him back on the franchise tag for one more season or sign him to a short-term deal. That’s if they choose to bring him back at all. In 2023, Pollard rushed for 1,005 yards and six touchdowns but sported a career-low 4.0 yards per carry.
Stephon Gilmore (1 season with DAL) Trading for Stephon Gilmore gave Dallas a veteran cornerback for one season that proved to be even more valuable when Trevon Diggs went down for the season in week three. Gilmore has spent the last four seasons with four different teams and could be looking for a bit of stability late in his career. However, the Cowboys will welcome back Diggs along with first-team All-Pro DaRon Bland next season leaving a question as to who is the odd man left out when looking at three All-Pro boundary corners with only two slots on the field.
Jourdan Lewis (7 seasons with DAL) The same questions asked about Gilmore could be asked about Jourdan Lewis who is also looking at potentially being the odd man out in a loaded cornerback room in 2024. As a slot nickel, Lewis could be brought back with Diggs and Bland on the boundaries, but it’s tough to imagine both Gilmore and Lewis on the team next season.
Dorance Armstrong (6 seasons with DAL) The second-leading sack-getter for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023 is due to hit the free agent market as Dorance Armstrong will look to pair his strong year on the field with a sizable contract this offseason. As a pass-rusher that has shown consistency and reliability over the last two seasons, Armstrong could be in line for a payday. In 2023, Armstrong accounted for 7.5 sacks and 38 tackles.
Jayron Kearse (8 seasons with DAL) An up-and-down 2023 season makes the Jayron Kearse free agency interesting going into the offseason, especially considering that the front office extended both Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker before the season. With a few intriguing safety options in the first two rounds of the draft, could the Cowboys look to bring in a replacement for Kearse at a cheaper price? Or do they bring him back to provide reliability in 2024? Another potential factor in his free agency would be a potential Dan Quinn exit.
Dante Fowler Jr. (2 seasons with DAL) Speaking of Dan Quinn guys, Dante Fowler Jr. is due for free agency this offseason after two years in Dallas followed up two years spent in Atlanta including one of those with Quinn. Fowler was mostly a rotational piece in the pass rush unit this past season and accounted for just four sacks – his lowest since 2020.
Noah Igbinoghene (1 season with DAL) After being traded for just days before the season began, cornerback Noah Igbinoghene is set to hit free agency. Igbinoghene only saw late-game, blowout action on defense early in the season and minimal special teams work throughout the year. He became a frequently inactive player in the back half of the season.
Johnathan Hankins (2 seasons with DAL) The Cowboys selected defensive tackle Mazi Smith in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft in an attempt to strengthen their defensive interior. However, following an underwhelming rookie campaign, securing consistency at the position is now a top priority for the team in the summer. Although the return of seasoned player Jonathan Hankins would offer some respite, should the team instead look for more long-term assistance? What Hankins wears in his jersey the following season will mostly depend on the answer to that question.
Trent Sieg (1 season with DAL) One of the league’s most consistent long snappers from 2024 is due for free agency as Trent Sieg will hit the market after one season with special teams coordinator John Fassel’s unit. After building such a strong rapport with punter Bryan Anger and kicker Brandon Aubrey in 2023, it’s hard to imagine he will be heading elsewhere next season.
Chuma Edoga (1 season with DAL) Having consistent offensive line depth is tough to find in the NFL, and Chuma Edoga provided that early in 2023 before having a rough outing against Miami on Christmas Eve that soured a previously decent first season in Dallas. It’s expected that the Cowboys will attack offensive line options in the draft, but they could still bring Edoga back to compete for a spot in training camp.
Neville Gallimore (4 seasons with DAL) The rookie deal for defensive tackle Neville Gallimore has expired, and although he stayed mostly healthy in his four seasons and was available when needed, the lack of success in the defensive interior is factored in when you look at Gallimore’s potential future in Dallas.
Rico Dowdle (4 seasons with DAL) Another expiring rookie deal will hit with running back Rico Dowdle, who served as the complimentary back to Tony Pollard in 2023 and accounted for 505 total scrimmage yards and four touchdowns. His health prior to this past season was the biggest concern – having only seven career touches prior to 2023 – but if the Cowboys could bring him back to continue to compete for a spot next season.
Tyler Biadasz (4 seasons with DAL) The Dallas Cowboys’ starting center for the upcoming season may be the subject of intense speculation, given that Tyler Biadasz’s contract expires on March 13 and there are several intriguing center options in the draft. There may also be a small number of free agent names available. However, Biadasz’s contributions are more apparent when you consider that he was a Pro Bowl player in 2022 and that he has started all but two of the previous three seasons.
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