5 free agents the Cowboys could reunite with this offseason.
Here are some known names for the Cowboys to consider in free agency.
As they say in business, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” The NFL functions similarly to any business or corporation. Players and coaches can find possibilities by networking and developing relationships based on trust, familiarity, and, in some cases, nepotism. Cowboys COO Stephen Jones has become linked with the phrase “We like our guys.” Yes, they do. The Cowboys frequently discuss reconciling with former players. Jerry Jones considered re-signing Dez Bryant for months, if not years, after the organization and player parted ways.
Jones also was rumored to want to re-sign running back Ezekiel Elliott before he ultimately agreed to a contract with the New England Patriots. Most recently, the Cowboys signed offensive linemen La’el Collins and linebacker Damien Wilson to their practice squad before the postseason. The precedent that Dallas would re-sign one of their former players back to the team is there. Here are five unrestricted free agents the Cowboys could bring back to Dallas this offseason.
Ezekiel Elliott, running back
Ezekiel Elliott is no longer a Dallas Cowboy due to his contract. Elliott’s contract of $15 million was too high, and the Cowboys had to release the former All-Pro. The Cowboys missed his contributions while he was absent. The Cowboys struggled to complete drives inside the five-yard line, as runners were consistently stopped short of the goal line. Elliott also left the Cowboys with less-than-stellar pass protection at running back.
The Cowboys do not need to re-sign Elliott to resume responsibilities as a lead back. Those days are no more. However, the Cowboys need better than what they received from a rookie, Deuce Vaughn. Tony Pollard will likely leave after finishing his season under the franchise tag, and Rico Dowdle is a free agent. At 28 years old, Elliott still has some tread on the tire and filled in admirably for an injured Rhamondre Stevenson.
Chidobe Awuzie, cornerback:
Awuzie has enjoyed successful seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals after leaving Dallas. In 2021, Awuzie helped the Bengals reach the Super Bowl and intercepted Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Awuzie has been in and out of the starting lineup this season, but he is still an adequate player, if only for depth, which the Cowboys could use. Stephon Gilmore is a free agent who will be 34 years old in September.
Trevon Diggs is recovering from an ACL injury, while Jourdan Lewis is also ready to enter free agency. This season, DaRon Bland is the only viable, healthy starting cornerback still under contract. Expect Awuzie’s terms to be less than the $7.25 million annual compensation he received from the Bengals.
Cedrick Wilson, wide receiver:
You get the idea that the Cowboys never intended to lose Wilson in the first place. Wilson had a knack for making clutch receptions at vital situations. Wilson made such an impression as a rotating player in the Dallas offense that he could not be kept. Wilson received a large contract with the Miami Dolphins, but fell behind Tyreek Hill and first-round pick Jaylen Waddle, who now play alongside Tua Tagovailoa.
That said, if brought back to the Cowboys, Wilson could still be a special teams contributor and return punts if something were to happen to KaVontae Turpin. The chances of Wilson signing back with Dallas may also be a bit of a long shot because the team likes what it has in Jalen Brooks and Jalen Tolbert at the bottom of the depth chart. However, never say never. Wilson and quarterback Dak Prescott had chemistry when playing together. If Wilson has a quiet market entering free agency, he could find himself with an opportunity to impress the Cowboys coaching staff again.
Michael Jackson, cornerback:
Mike Jackson, a cornerback, only played for the Cowboys briefly. He was picked in the fifth round in 2019 out of the University of Miami (Fla.) and has since worked as a journeyman. Jackson left Dallas and played with the Detroit Lions and Patriots before joining the Seattle Seahawks. Jackson has earned a reputation as a gritty, chippy cornerback with good size (6’1″, 210 lbs.) who has established his worth on the field.
Jackson took a bit of a downturn last season, but in 2022, Jackson allowed a 55% completion percentage and a passer rating of 75.1 when targeted while starting all 17 games. Ultimately, Jackson is the odd man out in Seattle with the additions of Cobi Bryant, Devon Witherspoon, and Riq Woolen with the Seahawks over the past two seasons.
Noah Brown, wide receiver
The Cowboys must be disappointed with Noah Brown’s lack of performance compared to his last season with the Houston Texans. Brown was taken in the seventh round of the Cowboys’ much-touted 2016 draft class, and there was a growing sense that he only needed time and was a diamond in the rough. Brown’s talent was not completely realized in Dallas, and he is best known for a dropped ball that resulted in a game-winning pick-six against Jacksonville in 2022.
Brown achieved a career high for receiving yards with 567 in just ten games, including a stretch of 150-yard weeks. Brown’s market should not be too expensive because the inconsistency that drove some supporters mad is still highlighted by glimpses of what Brown can still be when given the opportunity. Furthermore, if Michael Gallup is a cap casualty, Brown may return as a cheaper replacement as Dallas looks to cut Gallup’s deal.
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