Chiefs WR headlines potential Cowboys free-agent additions

Free agency begins March 15 at 4 p.m. ET.

Positional needs: CB, DT, WR, LB

Key contributors Tony Pollard (RB), Dalton Schultz (TE), Leighton Vander Esch (LB) and safety Donovan Wilson are free agents. The Cowboys must make tough decisions to keep the core of the team together. Dallas is 18th in the league with about $1.8M in cap room, per Spotrac.

Daron Payne, DT, Washington Commanders:

The Cowboys ranked top 10 in points per game (20.1) and passing yards per game (200.9), but they did not excel against the run, giving up 129.3 rushing yards per game (22nd). 

Pro Bowler Payne put together his best season, posting 59 tackles, 11.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. The price tag could be big, but Payne would greatly aid against the run and could help push the Cowboys to the NFC title game and beyond.

Byron Murphy, CB, Arizona Cardinals

Murphy could be a low-risk, high-reward signing. Coming off an injury-shortened season, the 25-year-old could be paired with Trevon Diggs and Daron Bland to form a promising secondary trio. 

In 2021, he had his best season as a pro with 64 tackles, four interceptions and 12 passes defended. He is also versatile enough that he can cover the best receiver on the outside and line up in the slot and cover the middle of the field.