Cowboys’ Jones Hints at $100 Million Free Agency Strategy
The Dallas Cowboys have been making moves over the last two days, restructuring contracts and extending key players. Adjustments to the contracts of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have freed up over $70 million in cap space, with a potential extension for Micah Parsons set to increase that number. This positions the team with nearly $100 million to work with when free agency begins on March 12, allowing for a significant spending spree.
While many fans are excited about this new approach, those expecting the Cowboys to pursue top-tier free agents might need to temper their expectations. Dallas COO Stephen Jones suggested a more cautious strategy, emphasizing fit over star power.
“We’re looking for what suits us best,” Jones said Wednesday at The Star. “Big names aren’t always the answer; sometimes they don’t live up to expectations.”
That may be true, but high-profile players can certainly make a difference, right?
Jones acknowledged this, saying, “Look at a guy like Saquon Barkley—he was a big name and had a major impact.”
On October 9, 2022, in Inglewood, California, Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ chief operating officer, executive vice president, and director of player personnel, was seen on the field before their game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
As our Mike Fisher points out, “If you want to drive a Lamborghini, you have to pay Lamborghini prices.”
However, Stephen Jones’ comments align with expectations that Dallas won’t pursue elite free agents like Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin, Milton Williams, or Davante Adams. Instead, they may target second-tier options.
One name generating buzz is Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton, though he could be pricey. Other possible targets include Marquise Brown, Justin Reid, B.J. Hill, Robert Spillane, and Charles Omenihu—players who could provide value at a lower cost.
Ultimately, while the Cowboys have created a significant amount of cap space, it doesn’t mean they will spend big on the first day of free agency—or at all.
When Jones describes their approach as “selectively aggressive,” Cowboys fans should start looking at players just below the level of marquee stars.