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Latest On Cowboys’ Draft Plans

By | at April 13, 2024 9:20 pm

The Cowboys are one of several teams positioned to add along the offensive line during the first round of the upcoming draft. That 2024 tackle class in particular has drawn considerable praise, and selecting one of the best options on the board would help clarify Dallas’ plans up front for the coming season.

The free agent departure of Tyron Smith has left the Cowboys without a starting left tackle, unless 2022 first-rounder Tyler Smith handles blindside duties moving forward. The latter was drafted as the former’s heir apparent, but he thrived as a guard, earning a Pro Bowl invitation and second-team All-Pro honors last season. As a result, a tackle addition could be coming soon.

Indeed, The Athletic’s Jon Machota writes left tackle is “the position most likely to be addressed in the first round” when Dallas is on the clock (subscription required). The Cowboys own pick No. 24, which in many years would be too late to find a tackle prospect capable of starting right away. The 2024 class is deep up front, though, and Dallas could have a few options to choose from when on the clock. Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton and Georgia’s Amarius Mims could be on the board, although the Steelers (set to pick 20th) are expected to address their O-line in that range as well.

Of course, Tyler Smith kicking outside would leave the interior as an area of need for Dallas, a team which lost starting center Tyler Biadasz in free agency. The likes of Graham Barton and Jackson Powers-Johnson could be options in that event. ESPN’s Todd Archer predicts Smith will begin the 2024 season as Dallas’ blindside protector, and that approach would shift attention to guard or center prospects early in the draft. The Cowboys have hosted both interior and tackle options on ‘top-30’ visits.

To little surprise, Machota adds the Cowboys will not address the linebacker position on Day 1. No LB prospects are seen as locks to hear their names called in the first round, but that spot is certainly one which could use additions in Dallas’ case. A selection as early as the second round (where the team owns pick No. 56) could bring about the arrival of a linebacker to help complement free agent signing Eric Kendricks.

Aiming to quell criticisms which have stemmed from the team’s quiet offseason to date, the Cowboys could add a number of impact rookies in the near future. While it remains to be seen which O-line position the team’s top pick in that respect plays, an early move up front should be expected at this point.

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Traded NFL Draft Picks For 2024

By | at April 10, 2024 10:21 pm

As the 2024 draft nears, numerous picks have already changed hands. A handful of picks have already been moved twice, with a few being traded three times. Multiple deals from 2021 impact this draft. Here are the 2024 picks to have been traded thus far:

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

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NFL Draft Rumors: Cowboys, McCarthy, Robinson

By | at April 6, 2024 5:54 pm

The Cowboys hosted a number of 2024 NFL Draft prospects for “top 30” visits this week. The visiting group included potential first-round targets like Taliese Fuaga, Graham Barton, and Darius Robinson as well as projected Day 2 selection Junior Colson.

Fuaga, an offensive tackle out of Oregon State, and Barton, a projected interior offensive lineman out of Duke, make sense considering the Cowboys’ losses on offensive line this offseason of Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz. If Fuaga is able to start, this would allow Dallas to keep Tyler Smith at guard, where he earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023. In order to land Fuaga, though, the Cowboys would likely have to trade up earlier into the first round. Barton played left tackle for the Blue Devils for the last couple of years, but his early college film at center shows the versatility that he could bring at the NFL level.

Robinson, a defensive end out of Missouri, feels like the typical Cowboys pass rusher selection and adds depth to a position that saw Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler follow former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to Washington. A bigger defensive end, Robinson could provide some versatility across the defensive line and may be available long enough for the Cowboys to trade back to collect some extra picks and still select him. Colson, a linebacker out of Michigan, would be a nice addition to a position that could use some attention with Micah Parsons spending more time at end. While he’s likely a second- or third-round pick, he’s worth note as he’s expected to be the first linebacker off the board.

Here are a couple of other rumors making the rounds in the weeks leading up to this month’s draft:

  • We have seen the draft stock of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy soaring over the last few weeks. Once considered a tier-two quarterback behind Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels, the polarizing McCarthy has somehow found himself in consideration for the No. 2 overall draft selection. While his stock continues to inflate, Pro Football Network’s Adam Caplan pointed out some of the red flags that have some scouts feeling less than confident about the former Wolverine. McCarthy has been compared to former Steelers’ first-round pick Kenny Pickett “due to his inability to drive the ball down the field.” His strong sense of timing made up for a lack of arm strength in college, but some worry that it will prevent him from being able to make some throws at the NFL level. While he’s almost guaranteed to be a first-round pick due to the top-heavy nature of the position this year, many don’t have a first-round grade on McCarthy.
  • Chop Robinson is set to be the next pass rusher out of Penn State to be selected in the first round. The projected Day 1 edge rusher had already taken visits with the Eagles, Ravens, and Saints, but Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz informs us that visits with the Giants and Jets were scheduled for this past week, as well. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 adds that the Texans have Robinson firmly on their radar after meeting with him at the NFL scouting combine.
6 comments 2024 NFL Draft Baltimore Ravens Dallas Cowboys Houston Texans New Orleans Saints New York Giants New York Jets Philadelphia Eagles

Dalvin Cook Discusses Free Agency

By | at April 6, 2024 10:34 am

Dalvin Cook‘s 2023 campaign didn’t go as planned, with the former Pro Bowler struggling to carve out a role in the Jets offense. As a result, it’s been relatively quiet for the veteran free agent, but that doesn’t mean the 28-year-old is treating this offseason any differently.

In a conversation with Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston, Cook said he’s feeling great and is confident he can still be a productive offensive weapon. In fact, he also believes his limited run in New York will only benefit him in 2024.

“I’ve got it all,” Cook said. “The tools are still here. I didn’t really get no reps last year. So, the legs are fresh, so the resume speaks for itself. I’m still Dalvin Cook. I’m still that guy. For me, I don’t like to toot my own horn. I just like to go out there, put my helmet on and line up on the grass.”

Cook’s six-year stint in Minnesota ended with his release last offseason. Despite topping 1,300 yards from scrimmage each season between 2019 and 2022, it took the veteran until mid-August to catch on with the Jets, where he was expected to form a two-headed monster in the backfield with Breece Hall.

Aaron Rodgers‘ season-ending injury quickly changed things, with the offense failing to find consistency throughout the 2023 campaign. As a result, the team leaned heavily on Hall, pushing Cook to a true backup role. The running back only started one of his 15 appearances for the Jets, finishing with 292 yards from scrimmage and zero touchdowns.

Cook and the Jets parted ways late in the season, and he caught on with the Ravens for the postseason. He garnered eight touches in his one playoff appearance, finishing with 23 yards.

While there’s been plenty of movement in this year’s RB free agency class, Cook hasn’t attracted a whole lot of interest. There were rumors that the running back was interested in joining the Cowboys, but it was uncertain if that interest was reciprocated by the organization. Regardless of where he ends up, Cook is confident that he’ll be able to contribute to any running backs room.

“Yeah, you always have to be prepared for the opportunity,” Cook said. “For me, I’m a veteran in the league. I know what it takes to be successful in this league. I know who Dalvin Cook is and I know how I want to perform and what I want to do. Like you said, stay ready so you ain’t got to get ready.”

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Cowboys To Re-Sign T Chuma Edoga

By | at April 3, 2024 11:07 am

The Cowboys’ partnership with Tyron Smith ended after 13 seasons, with the All-Decade tackle leaving for a Jets deal in free agency. Dallas is, however, keeping the decorated tackle’s primary 2023 backup.

Chuma Edoga is re-signing with the Cowboys, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweets. A one-year deal is expected. A former Jets third-round pick, Edoga started six games for the Cowboys last season. Primarily playing left tackle, Edoga worked as Smith’s injury replacement.

As the Cowboys transition from their talented but injury-prone starter, Edoga will give them a low-cost option. Though, the team will presumably intend to keep Edoga as a swingman. Though, he does offer some positional versatility.

Dallas used Edoga on 312 snaps at left tackle last season but also trotted him out at left guard on 101 plays. His return could give Dallas an inside option, with Tyler Smith — once viewed as the team’s left tackle of the future — still potentially in play to slide back outside. Tyler Smith has excelled at both guard and tackle as a pro. The younger Smith is still an option to take over at left tackle. That would obviously create a hole at left guard — a familiar situation for a Cowboys team that has lost Connor Williams and Connor McGovern in consecutive offseasons. The Cowboys did view Edoga as a better tackle than guard, per ESPN’s Todd Archer.

Edoga’s six starts were his most since his 2019 Jets rookie season. He fell out of favor with the Jets soon after, as GM Joe Douglas was not on board when he was drafted. This led him to the Falcons in 2022 via trade. He started one game with Atlanta. Last season, Pro Football Focus graded Edoga just outside the top 50 among tackles.

Set for his age-27 season, Edoga may have a chance to carve out a bigger role in 2024. The Cowboys have two holes along their starting O-line, with center starter Tyler Biadasz following Dan Quinn to Washington. The draft will represent a key avenue to upgrade, as the Cowboys have not been especially busy in free agency. Edoga, however, offers a bit of insurance as the team considers its options following the loss of its likely Hall of Fame-bound left tackle.

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Draft Notes: Barton, ’30’ Visits, Wilson

By | at April 1, 2024 12:47 pm

The 2024 tackle class has drawn rave reviews in the lead-in to this month’s draft, but Graham Barton is among those expected to play on the inside upon entering the NFL. The Duke product has nevertheless helped his draft stock recently.

Barton was already gaining steam as a rising prospect before his Pro Day, as noted by ESPN’s Jordan Reid. He battled injuries during the 2023 season and was forced to miss the Senior Bowl as a result, but the two-time All-American managed to take part in the Blue Devils’ Pro Day last week. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reports Barton’s performance was highly impressive, and it secured his status as a Day 1 prospect.

Following up on the strong workout, Reid notes Barton could now work his way into the top 15 come draft night. Many NFL teams view the first-team All-ACC selection as a center, but he could also see time at guard at the pro level. Wherever he lines up as a rookie, Barton will face high expectations and no doubt draw the attention of many teams near the top of the order in need of reinforcements up front.

Here are some other draft-related notes from around the NFL:

  • Missouri’s Darius Robinson has also seen his stock rise in the wake of the Senior Bowl, and NFL teams are keeping an eye on him. The Steelers recently hosted him on a ’30’ visit, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He adds Robinson has 20 meetings with teams on the books, making him one of several potential first-rounders who will remain busy as the draft approaches. O-lineman Taliese Fuaga is among the prospects who also met with the Steelers, as noted by Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  • Staying in Pennsylvania, the Eagles hosted Laiatu Latu on a ’30’ visit, Geoff Mosher of Inside the Birds reports. The UCLA product is one of the best edge rushers in the 2024 class, having earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2023. His college resume includes a medical retirement, however, so there will be risk involved in selecting him. Philadelphia and all other prospective suitors will no doubt have a vested interest in Latu’s medical examinations. The Eagles traded Haason Reddick to the Jets, creating the need for a new investment along the edge.
  • The inside linebacker class is not believed to have a Day 1 prospect, but Edgerrin Cooper is among the top options teams will have to choose from. The Texas A&M product had a strong Pro Day showing, and he has a number of ’30’ visits lined up. Per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, the list of interested teams includes the Texans, Eagles, Cowboys, Panthers, Chargers and Buccaneers. Cooper was a consensus All-American in 2023 after racking up 84 tackles (including 17 for loss), eight sacks and a pair of forced fumbles.
  • Pittsburgh, Dallas, Carolina and Tampa Bay are among the teams also set to host Western Kentucky wideout Malachi Corley, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo notes. Garafolo adds the Browns, Ravens, Seahawks and 49ers have also booked a visit with the small school standout. Corley is a member of a very deep receiver class, but his 180 catches, 2,279 yards and 22 touchdowns over the past two seasons along with a strong pre-draft process has put him firmly on the draft radar.
  • Marshawn Kneeland has also drawn considerable pre-draft attention. The Western Michigan defensive end has either already met with (or plans to visit) the Eagles along with the Chiefs, Saints, Jaguars, Jets, Vikings, Colts and Commanders, per Pauline. Kneeland spent four years with the MAC program, totaling 12.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss while establishing himself as a power rusher and strong run defender.
  • While a number of prospects have helped their stock recently, the opposite is of course true of others. Michigan receiver Roman Wilson appears to have fallen into the latter category, per ESPN’s Matt Miller. He notes Wilson is in danger of falling to the late second round or early in the third, something which could become increasingly possible if a run on the draft’s other pass-catchers takes place. Wilson averaged 16.4 yards per catch and scored 12 touchdowns on a run-heavy Wolverines offense last season, but his size (6-0, 180) and mediocre statistics from his three other campaigns could make him less appealing than other WR options.
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Mutual Interest Between Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott In Reunion?

By | at March 30, 2024 6:20 pm

Earlier this week, a report named both Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook as running backs interested in a deal with the Cowboys. In the case of the former, that feeling appears to be mutual.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Elliott and the Cowboys “have mutual interest in a reunion.” The former No. 4 pick began his career in Dallas, spending seven years with the team. Over the early portion of that span, he was one of the league’s dominant running backs; Elliott led the NFL in rushing in 2016 and ’19, and he earned three Pro Bowl invites in the first four years of his career.

Over time, though, the Ohio State product saw his efficiency begin to wane. The emergence of Tony Pollard led to a backfield committee, with Elliott serving as a short-yardage option toward the end of his Dallas tenure. Last offseason, he was released in a move which came as little surprise (although talk of a reduced deal was prevalent during the offseason, an agreement in that regard never came close to fruition).

Elliott ultimately joined the Patriots on an incentive-laden one-year deal. The 28-year-old posted a career-worst 3.5 yards per carry average in New England, a figure which resulted in a new personal low in rushing production (642 yards). He did post a team-leading 51 receptions, though, showcasing his continued ability as a pass-catching option out of the backfield.

Dallas kept Pollard on the franchise tag for 2023, and he was among the many running backs who found a new home very early in free agency this offseason. While the Cowboys have since re-signed Rico Dowdle, the team is in need of a backfield addition either in the secondary wave of free agency or next month’s draft. Elliott would fit the bill as a familiar and experienced back alongside Dowdle and 2023 sixth-rounder Deuce Vaughn, though other options will be available (particularly with respect to rookies next month).

No other teams have been connected to Elliott so far, a sign of his market value coming off a down season in New England. His age and declining production will certainly hurt the value of his next contract, but it would certainly be noteworthy if it came from the Cowboys.

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Cowboys To Make RB Addition; Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook Interested In Deal?

By | at March 28, 2024 9:59 pm

With Tony Pollard no longer in the picture, the Cowboys are an obvious candidate to draft a running back next month. A veteran signing before then would come as little surprise, though, and a pair of high-profile names could be eyeing a Dallas agreement.

When speaking at the league meetings, head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed (via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo) Dallas will be making at least one addition at the RB spot. The Cowboys retained Rico Dowdle, who finished second on the team in rushing yards last season. Dallas also has 2023 sixth-rounder Deuce Vaughn in the backfield, but an experienced option would be a welcomed addition to take the place of Pollard.

Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports both Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook “have interest in potentially signing” with the Cowboys. In the former’s case, a deal would of course represent a reunion. Elliott spent his first seven seasons with Dallas, twice leading the league in rushing during that span. His efficiency began to wane over time, though, and by the end of his Cowboys stint he was used more as a short-yardage specialist than a true lead back.

The Cowboys, as expected, released the former No. 4 pick last offseason with no guaranteed money remaining on his deal. Elliott signed a one-year pact with the Patriots, and he split time with Rhamondre Stevenson for much of the year. Elliott saw a career-low 184 carries in 2023, and his 3.5 yards per attempt average was also the worst figure of his NFL tenure. Especially in a year which saw several high-end backs quickly land new deals, it comes as no surprise the 28-year-old (who, in fairness, drew trade interest at the deadline) is still on the market.

Cook likewise endured a disappointing season in 2023 after seeing his long-term Vikings tenure come to an end. After being let go by Minnesota, a lengthy free agent process ensued. Cook ultimately joined the Jets, but he struggled to carve out a role alongside Breece Hall in the backfield. New York waived the 28-year-old in January, setting up a brief audition period with the Ravens.

Baltimore used Cook sparingly in the postseason, and with Derrick Henry now in place a re-up with another veteran can be considered unlikely. Plenty of snaps will presumably be available in Dallas for Elliott, Cook or another experienced back looking for a new deal. Dallas would of course still be expected to use a Day 2 or 3 pick on a back during the draft even with a veteran signing, but with $6.7MM in cap space the team can afford a low-cost addition at the position.

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Cowboys Do Not Intend To Let Dak Prescott Reach Free Agency

By | at March 27, 2024 9:41 pm

More is coming out of the Cowboys-Dak Prescott situation. Although no offer has been made and no deal is imminent, CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson supplies some information in line with the team’s recently expressed stance.

The Cowboys still want to complete an extension with Prescott this year, according to Anderson, who adds the team is not planning on letting the reigning MVP runner-up reach free agency. Some hurdles exist on the path toward a Prescott extension, but even though nothing is close presently, the Cowboys should still be considered more likely than not to aggressively pursue a third contract with their quarterback before the 2025 league year.

[RELATED: Cowboys, Dak Prescott Begin Extension Talks]

As he did during the first round of Prescott extension talks, Jerry Jones made a pitch for a team-friendly deal this week. Jones centered that short pitch on how a monster Dak re-up would affect the rest of the Cowboys’ roster, but while Patrick Mahomes has indeed sacrificed (in the form of a 10-year extension that goes through 2031), none of the QBs to agree on extensions since that July 2020 accord have followed his lead. While some upper-crust QBs did not hold out for player-friendly accords (Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford), the market is now beyond $50MM per year for high-end passers. Prescott’s age and production would have him in line for such a deal — perhaps close to $60MM per year — and he certainly has the ammo to land player-friendly terms again.

Entering the final season of a four-year, $160MM contract, Prescott cannot be franchise-tagged in 2025. A recent restructure only saved the Cowboys $4MM, still leaving Prescott with what would be a record-shattering cap number ($55.1MM). This is assuming the Browns restructure Deshaun Watson‘s deal, which calls for a $63.8MM hit this year. If Prescott leaves in free agency, the Cowboys would eat $40.1MM in dead money due to previous restructures that added void years through 2028.

Positional value also works in Prescott’s favor. Despite the Cowboys’ playoff stumbling blocks — which have been present since Super Bowl XXX — remaining during the Dak era, they employ a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback who bounced back in a big way last season. The 30-year-old QB led the NFL with 36 TD passes in 2023; he has piloted the league’s top-ranked scoring offense in two of the past three years. The Cowboys, who have Trey Lance on an expiring contract, would not have a good way to replace their oft-maligned signal-caller were he to follow Kirk Cousins‘ path as a twice-tagged player to leave in free agency.

Deadlines have been semi-effective for the Cowboys and Prescott. The team could not get its QB to agree to a deal at the July 2020 franchise tag extension deadline but was able to circle back on an extension — after three offseasons’ worth of negotiations — before a second tag could hit the team’s payroll in March 2021. March 2025 would become the next true deadline, but another big season and the threat of hitting the market would only increase Prescott’s leverage. A deal earlier — one that would allow the Cowboys more breathing room compared to this $55.1MM cap number — would be in the team’s best interests, effectively creating an earlier deadline here.

Nothing is imminent, but given the numbers in play here, the topic of a Prescott extension will remain a key offseason talking point — just as it was from 2019-21 — during this NFL offseason.

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No Extension In Sight For Cowboys, Dak Prescott

By | at March 26, 2024 5:54 pm

5:54pm: The Cowboys are not closing the door on a Prescott extension, per Nick Harris of the team’s website. The team would not shut down talks during the season, though it remains to be seen if Prescott would do so. Nothing is on the team’s immediate radar, and past negotiations have produced deadline failures (2020) and successes (2021). This will obviously be a central storyline in the offseason months to come.

12:47pm: The last time the Cowboys and Dak Prescott engaged in extension talks, the process covered nearly two full offseasons and dragged into mid-March of a third. Long expected to take place this year, Prescott’s second round of negotiations are not yet off the ground.

Dallas restructured its ninth-year quarterback’s contract recently, dropping his cap number from $59MM to $55.5MM. The new number would still smash an NFL record, as no player has gone into a season with a cap number higher than $45MM. An extension would be the easiest way for the Cowboys to reduce that figure now, but no deal is imminent.

The sides have reached an understanding regarding this situation, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, who notes the Cowboys have not made an offer. Although extension talks began recently, the team does not appear the team is planning to submit one anytime soon.

Prescott’s contract expires after the 2024 season, and with the Cowboys not being able to use the franchise tag on their QB in 2025, free agency (and a big dead money bill) would stand to enter this equation if the former Offensive Rookie of the Year is unsigned. As of now, that prospect seems closer to reality than it once did.

The 30-year-old QB is no stranger to playing on expiring contracts. He played out his rookie deal in 2019 and played the 2020 season on the franchise tag. Despite suffering a season-ending ankle injury that year, the standout passer scored player-friendly terms from a Cowboys team that prefers longer-running extensions. Prescott signed a four-year, $160MM deal just before the Cowboys would have had to tag him a second time to prevent a 2021 free agency exit.

That deal wrapped a lengthy saga, which had begun when the QB became extension-eligible in 2019, but set the stage for another battle. As part of that 2021 extension, the Cowboys procedurally tagged Prescott; this took a 2025 tag off the table.

Jerry Jones would prefer his QB accept a team-friendlier contract this time around. This topic came up during Dallas’ previous Prescott talks, but the team eventually caved to its signal-caller’s demands. Prescott’s price steadily climbed before reaching that $40MM-AAV point. With the market now well beyond $50MM per year, Prescott has the leverage to command a deal in that neighborhood — perhaps a record-setting accord.

“As you address a player like Dak, you take away from his supporting cast,” Jones said, via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill. “That’s not a sales job. Everybody realizes, if you get the bucks, someone else who can help you win doesn’t. That’s factual.”

Painting Prescott to be on the greedy side certainly could be a negotiating tactic on Jones’ part, as Patrick Mahomes‘ 10-year extension has benefited the Chiefs. But other QBs have not followed Mahomes’ lead. And the Cowboys will be battling uphill if they push this process toward the season. The Browns have not yet restructured Deshaun Watson‘s deal a second time; his fully guaranteed contract has the team set to carry a record-shattering $63.9MM cap number otherwise. If the deal is restructured, Prescott’s cap number would top the league. But the AFC North team did restructure its QB’s deal last year. Watson is also signed through 2026. Like Kirk Cousins, tagged twice in Washington, Prescott would have a clear path to free agency if no extension came about.

The Vikings are eating $28.5MM in dead cap this year; because of the recent restructure, the Cowboys would take on $40.5MM in dead money if they cannot extend Prescott before the 2025 league year. Due to his age and accomplishments, Prescott would stand to far outdo Cousins on the open market. The prospect of finding a suitable replacement also a rather notable part of this equation.

The Cowboys acquired Trey Lance via trade last year, but the ex-49ers No. 3 overall pick’s contract expires after this coming season. Again armed with a quality roster, Prescott will — barring injury — likely have Dallas in playoff contention, which would not give the team favorable draft real estate in 2025. While it would be easier to extend CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons with Prescott out of the picture, his 2025 dead money would make it more difficult to carry a top-market Lamb contract and a Parsons fifth-year option on the books next year.

While it would certainly be noteworthy if the Cowboys were serious about letting Prescott play out his contract, the leverage being skewed toward the QB make it premature to indicate Dallas is done negotiating.

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