Aggressive Cowboys put themselves in thick of Super Bowl hunt

A flurry of offseason moves shows the Cowboys believe this is their year.

Along with trading for Texans WR Brandin Cooks on Sunday, Dallas recently acquired CB Stephon Gilmore, a five-time Pro Bowler. It also re-signed RB Tony Pollard, LB Leighton Vander Esch and safety Donovan Wilson.

"For as much criticism as the Cowboys' front office usually receives this time of year for doing very little, they deserve praise for executing this more aggressive approach," wrote The Athletic's Jon Machota.

Dallas clearly believes it must capitalize on its championship potential. Last season, the Cowboys tied for the second-most Pro Bowlers (seven) in the NFL, had consecutive 12-win seasons for the first time in 27 years and won their first road playoff game since 1992. 

The only pressing needs were a starting CB to replace free agent Anthony Brown and a WR who could be a true No. 2 to CeeDee Lamb. 

The Cowboys addressed both in the trades for Gilmore and Cooks.

Despite the roster additions, Dallas is still a step behind the NFC's top teams in oddsmakers' eyes. Per Oddschecker, they have the third-best conference champion odds behind Philadelphia and San Francisco.

The Cowboys have not cracked the 49ers, who handed them consecutive postseason losses over the past two seasons. Additionally, San Francisco's D-line, a unit led by three-time Pro Bowler Nick Bosa, became more fearsome after signing former Pro Bowler Javon Hargrave. 

Philadelphia lost key pieces in RB Miles Sanders and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, but QB Jalen Hurts proved he could carry a team. Last season, he finished second in MVP voting. He has the fifth-best 2023 MVP odds, according to Oddschecker.

While the Cowboys acquired enough assets to challenge their NFC rivals, they must find one more difference-maker to push them to the top.
Nevertheless, Dallas' offseason should inspire confidence because it ensured that it belongs in the championship-contender discussion.