Cowboy Check-in: Pre-draft Needs

As the Dallas Cowboys commence their offseason as Free Agency started on March 10th, the ‘Boys have numerous needs following a disappointing season in which they missed the playoffs. From fixing the offense’s issues to upgrading the defense, owner Jerry Jones must spend wisely if the cowboys want to capitalize on Dak Prescott’s prime years. However, salary cap issues and poor decision-making in the past will provide issues.

First Priority: Fixing the Run Game

The only running backs on the Cowboys’ roster are the second-year back Deuce Vaughn and new acquisition Javonte Williams. Vaughn, who has just 110 rushing yards and no touchdowns in his career, and Williams, who is arguably the worst starting back in the NFL, are not options to headline an offense looking to return to playoff form. Luckily, this year’s draft features a plethora of elite college backs, including Frisco’s own Ashton Jeanty. If he isn’t available by Dallas’ 11th pick, UNC’s Omarion Hampton and Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson should be available. Jerry would be smart two take two backs, perhaps a first rounder and a day three pick/undrafted free agent, as NFC rivals Detroit and Washington have proven the success of a two-back system. A true RB1 in the first round and a receiving specialist in round six or seven would suffice.

Second Priority: Extending Micah

Pass-rusher Micah Parsons is entering into the fifth-year of his five-year rookie contract in 2025. If the Cowboys wish to avoid a costly bidding war with many other teams to secure his services in the future, an extension is imminent. Parsons, just 25 years old, just became the sixth-fastest player in football history to reach 50 career sacks. Following Cleveland’s Myles Garrett’s new $40 million per year contract at age 29, Parsons is likely due for a deal in the $45-50 million range. However, a quick extension before he reaches free agency a year from now could save millions in salary cap space. Also, it avoids the possibility of the best defender on the team leaving in his prime, plausible considering his dissatisfaction with the organization.

Third Priority: Replacing Zack Martin

9-time Pro Bowl Guard Zack Martin retired last month as perhaps the most prolific offensive lineman of his generation. In his absence due to injury last season, combined with Tyron Smith’s move to the Jets and Tyler Guyton’s disappointing rookie year, the offensive line struggled. Dak and Rush were sacked a combined 38 times, on par with league average, nothing exceptional. However, as seen with the 2024 Eagles, a super bowl starts with an excellent O-Line, which the cowboys lack. Since another free agency has passed with no big moves, the draft once again looks like the place for action.

Fourth Priority: Secondary Reassurance

While all Cowboy fans know exactly how talented their CB duo of Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are, injuries have drastically reduced time on the field together, as the two have missed a combined 31 games over the past two years. Additionally, Jourdan Lewis’s departure to Jacksonville thins the cornerback room even more. While Wednesday’s trade for Kaiir Elam is a start, the 2022 first-round pick is a career backup, starting in just 13 of his 34 games. Several players were available as free agents, including all-pro Charvarius Ward, super bowl champ Carlton Davis, and pro bowler Byron Murphy, but none were signed. The ‘Boys should consider drafting a corner on day two in April, perhaps ECU’s Shavon Revel, a talented player who may fall out of the first round due to a knee injury.

Fifth Priority: Adding another pass-catcher

Dak only really has one true star pass-catcher: his perennial pro bowl target CeeDee Lamb. TE Jake Ferguson failed to score a touchdown in 2025, while Tolbert and Turpin don’t provide consistent separation from defenders offensively. Brandin Cooks’ contract has run out and even star CeeDee Lamb has injury questions. Since the Rams have cut Cooper Kupp he is a free-agent option despite his age and unhealthy past. Other vets, including former Cowboy Amari Cooper or longtime LA Charger Keenan Allen still look for a team, as of Friday the 14th. A second/third round priority must be a wideout or another tight end. Harold Fannin, a star at Bowling Green St., or LSU’s Mason Taylor could bolster the TE room, while a number of wide receivers could inject a spark into the offense, notable UT wideouts Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden. Either one would be a fan-favorite if kept in the Lone Star State.

While many Dallas fans may have lost hope in playoff success over the last 15 months, and indeed, the last thirty years, things in Jerryworld are not as bad as they seem. After deep analysis, it appears that Dallas is only a couple pieces from solving the championship puzzle. After all, they have a franchise QB-WR duo, elite defensive playmakers, and have been hindered by the injury bug as of late. Furthermore, Cowboy fans can find reassurance in recent one-season turnarounds, just look at fellow NFC East contender Washington, who went from, in 2023, second-worst in the NFL to the 2025 NFCCG. Hope remains for the 2025 Cowboys.