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The Dallas Cowboys have built their team on the philosophy of drafting and developing, and they typically use free agency to fill holes rather than make big splashes. While they have a lot of needs to address, such as wide receivers, linebackers, defensive lines, offensive lines, tight ends, kickers and backup quarterback, Dallas prefers to retain its own players.
The Cowboys used the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard, but they mostly want to extend the contracts of players such as WR CeeDee Lamb, CB Trevon Diggs and C Tyler Biadasz, who are eligible for second contracts. RB Ezekiel Elliot's release was the biggest story of the week but was expected to happen.
Cowboys' Week 1 moves
Cooper Rush, quarterback
Rush agreed to a two-year deal to return to Dallas. The Cowboys know what they have in their backup quarterback, which is crucial because Dak Prescott has missed at least one game in each of the last three seasons due to injury.
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Rush has a 5-1 record, eight touchdown passes and four interceptions in his career. Without his steady play last year, the Cowboys would not have made the playoffs after Prescott suffered a broken thumb. Teammates believe that they have a chance when Rush has to play if something happens to Prescott again.
C.J. Goodwin, cornerback
Goodwin will stay in Dallas on a one-year contract. The Cowboys couldn't lose Goodwin after losing their leading special teams tackler last year in Luke Gifford to the Tennessee Titans.
Goodwin is one of the best gunners in football and finished second to Gifford on the team in special teams stops. Having a core special-teamer like Goodwin back for another year is a good thing for coordinator John Fassel.
Leighton Vander Esch, linebacker
Vander Esch agreed to return to Dallas on a two-year deal worth $11 million. The Cowboys kept a key piece of their defense. His absence was felt when he missed the final three regular-season games due to injury.
Vander Esch gets everybody in the correct spots, but he is also productive. He had 100 tackles, second on the team. In two playoff games, he led the Cowboys with 21 tackles. Vander Esch brings toughness and leadership to a relatively young defense. Without him, the Cowboys would have had a big void.
Donovan Wilson, safety
The Cowboys reached an agreement with Wilson to bring him back on a three-year deal worth up to $24 million.
Malik Hooker, safety
Hooker signed a one-year deal to return to Dallas.The Cowboys are bringing back another key part of their safety rotation. Hooker played well last season after joining the team midway through the year. He played in nine games, starting four, and had two interceptions and three passes defended. Hooker provides depth at safety and can also play a role on special teams.
Dante Fowler Jr., defensive end
Fowler signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys. The Cowboys are hoping Fowler can provide some pass-rush help after a down year in 2021. Fowler had just three sacks in 15 games with the Atlanta Falcons last season, but he had 11.5 sacks with the Rams in 2019. Fowler has shown the ability to get to the quarterback in the past, and Dallas is hoping he can rediscover that form.
Bryan Anger, punter
Anger signed a one-year deal to return to Dallas. The Cowboys are bringing back their punter, who averaged 47.2 yards per punt and had a net average of 41.6 yards last season. Anger also had 19 punts inside the 20-yard line and had just two touchbacks. He provides stability at a position that can often be overlooked.
Overall, Dallas did not make any big splashes in free agency, but the Cowboys did bring back some key pieces from their team from last season.
The signings of Rush, Goodwin, Vander Esch, Wilson, Hooker, Fowler and Anger provide depth and stability at important positions. The team's strategy of drafting and developing players and using free agency to fill holes has served them well in the past, and they are continuing to follow that approach.
With a healthy Dak Prescott and the return of some key players, the Cowboys are hoping to make a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.
Notable departures from Dallas
Ezekiel Elliot's release is the largest by far, and as much as he is loved in Dallas, it was the right move with his contract. Dalton Schultz and Connor McGovern will be missed on the offense as good above-average starters as well as shift receiver Noah Brown.
