Chief on the list is the team’s difficulty, at times, to stop the running game. Though the Cowboys got a very good grade of 70.3 at Pro Football Focus as an overall rushing defense, there were too many times this season that the run defense got pushed around. In games in which the Cowboys held opponents below 100 yards rushing, they were 6-1. In 100-plus-yard rushing games, the Cowboys were just 6-5.
That includes the 143 yards Dallas allowed to Green Bay in the divisional playoff loss. The Cowboys were 0-4 when allowing more than 140 yards on the ground.
That’s where B/R comes in with a big suggestion—a very big suggestion. The site is urging the Cowboys to pursue 6-foot-4, 310-pound behemoth Christian Wilkins in free agency.
Will the Dolphins Let Christian Wilkins Walk?
This is predicated on the idea that Wilkins will remain with the Dolphins for an additional year at a salary of $19.75 million if the team chooses not to use the franchise tag on him, as PFF predicts they will. Compared to Wilkins’s $10.7 million salary from the previous season—the fifth year of his rookie contract—that is a significant increase. Additionally, it is about Wilkins’ estimated market value, which Spotrac forecasts to be $20.2 million year (the website shows Wilkins signing a new, four-year contract worth $81 million).
The Cowboys would have to cut some corners to make a deal like that happen. They will enter the offseason around $11 million over the cap.
They’re also looking at sizable contract extensions for three star players: quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and pass rusher Micah Parsons. Making Wilkins a priority will not be easy for Dallas, but changing up the defense and toughening up against the run will be important this offseason.
Cowboys Free Agency Must Address Issues
Much of the Cowboys’ ability to improve the defensive line next season could come down to the development of Mazi Smith, who was the first-round draft pick of the Cowboys in 2023. Smith showed some improvement as the year went on, but played only four snaps in the loss to the Packers, a clear indication he does not have the coaching staff’s confidence. Wilkins is a surer option.
“Wilkins, who turned 28 in December, has made a name for himself as one of the best defensive lineman in the league at stuffing runs. In addition, he recently wrapped up a career-best season as a pass-rusher, recording nine sacks, 65 tackles, and ten tackles for loss. This week, B/R reported that “He played a huge role in Miami ranking sixth in yards per carry allowed.”
“Dallas needs to strengthen its front-line run defense, and Smith could make a significant improvement in his second season.” It’s also important to remember that three defensive lineman, Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr., and Neville Gallimore, are expected to become available in March.”
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