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The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up to improve on their 12-5 record from last season, where they made it to the Wild Card round of the playoffs but ultimately fell short. Despite losing key players in last year's free-agency period, including Amari Cooper, Randy Gregory, Connor Williams, Cedrick Wilson, and La'el Collins, the Cowboys managed to match their win total from the previous season.
Cap Situation
The Cowboys currently have $12.4 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. However, they have had to make some moves to get into the black before free agency starts. They restructured Dak Prescott and Zack Martin's deals, freeing up roughly $30 million. The running back situation will be interesting to watch, as Tony Pollard is under franchise control but costs $10.1 million, while Ezekiel Elliott is set to make $16.7 million.
Notable Free Agents
Dallas has a decent free-agent class this year, with notable names including TE Dalton Schultz, OT Terence Steele, WR Noah Brown, OG Connor McGovern, S Donovan Wilson, LB Leighton Vander Esch, Edge Dante Fowler Jr., and CB Anthony Brown. Terence Steele is a restricted free agent, while Dallas seems to be fine with letting Dalton Schultz hit the market. Leighton Vander Esch brought great value to the defense and could be a priority for the Cowboys, while Donovan Wilson could be the most underrated safety in a deep free-agent class.
Cowboys' Biggest Needs and Top Targets
Wide Receiver
The Cowboys need a true No. 2 receiver to take some pressure off CeeDee Lamb and give Prescott another weapon to work with. Top targets could include Odell Beckham Jr., Allen Lazard, and DJ Chark. "OBJ" would be the obvious target if Dallas liked what they saw during his open workout last week. He is coming off a notable season-long injury.
Defensive Tackle
Dallas has tried to "just get by" at the defensive tackle position for too long. They could look to beef up the interior with run-stuffers who have proven production. Top targets could include A'Shawn Robinson, David Onyemata, and Larry Ogunjobi.
Cornerback
If Dallas wants to make a splash that isn't a receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb, they should look for a shutdown corner to pair with Trevon Diggs. Top targets could include Stephon Gilmore, Richard Sherman, and Adoree Jackson.
Overall, Dallas will need to make some tough decisions with their free agents and manage their cap space carefully. However, if they can address their biggest needs in the offseason, they could be a force to be reckoned with next season.
