This past Wednesday was free agency’s two-week birthday. The official window now squeaks when moved and there’s been a substantial level of activity at The Star in Frisco with eight external signings, as well as around the league. The Dallas Cowboys were extremely focused on the defensive side of the ball in the early throes, as they should be. The club made a handful of transactions during the tampering period, and then systematically went about addressing individual positions over the following days.
The team has filled holes with both replacement-level players and players with some upside. It’s not the haul most fans crave, but in typical Stephen Jones fashion, it opens up the team’s ability to maneuver through draft weekend without feeling obligated to take one position or another. Fans shouldn’t get this statement wrong. Things are not ideal at several positions, most notably the three biggest needs of the team; cornerback, safety and to a lesser degree defensive tackle. Upgrades can still be made, still need to be made. But there is a starting lineup carved out based on the additions that have been made.
How well did Dallas do in each of those decisions? What about for the players who were with the club but have been allowed to go someplace else? Here’s a look at each transaction, the financial details of each and how well Dallas did in their strategy.
Contract details are all from the incomparable Over The Cap unless otherwise noted.