The Cowboys have a handful of needs they need to address over the 2024 offseason but perhaps none more urgent than that of the defensive tackle position. The Dallas defense was routinely manhandled inside in 2023 and struggled to keep blockers from reaching the second level and overpowering their already undersized LB corps.
Bigger LBs will help the Cowboys run defense in 2024 but if the interior linemen can’t do more to keep them free of blockers, size will only help them so much. Since LB performance is directly linked to the DT play in front of them (much like RB success is dependent on run blocking), fixing the DT has to be the highest defensive priority over the offseason.
The Cowboys are expected to re-sign internal free agent Johnathan Hankins, but that won’t be enough. Hankins was good as a rotational player but his value in Cowboys’ circles tends to be a bit inflated. Dallas needs a clear upgrade inside and while they remain optimistic about Mazi Smith’s future, they can’t bank on him to be any more than a rotational player himself in Year 2.
Unlike previous top-10 free agent lists like RB and WR, DT is a position the Cowboys need to address primarily through free agency. They need a game-ready starter if they want to improve in 2024 and can’t wait for a rookie to develop.
Not just as a run stopper but interior pressure player. Once again this season, the Cowboys overworked Osa Odighizuwa, and once again this season, he appeared to fade down the stretch. Adding a pass rush presence inside will help Dallas get more from him when games matter most.
The Cowboys could go a number of directions in free agency but based on the Cowboys’ needs and the options available, here are the 10 best fits.