As the Dallas Cowboys continue operating the NFL free agency frenzy in their frustratingly quiet ways, they're likely gearing up to get busy in the phase they like to jump in on the action.
In other words, now that the top names are off the shelves and most of the remaining free agents available are likely to sign inexpensive deals, the Cowboys might be ready to go bargain bin shopping.
This has been their M.O. in free agency for years now, which leads me to believe that ESPN's Bill Barnwell hit the nail in the head when he tied Dallas to a veteran offensive lineman in a recent free agency article.
Barnwell named the Cowboys as the best fit for guard Laken Tomlinson, who most recently played two seasons with the New York Jets before spending five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and going to the Pro Bowl in 2021. Barnwell reasoned:
With Tyron Smith leaving Dallas for Tomlinson's old team to take over as Aaron Rodgers's left tackle, the Cowboys have a hole on their offensive line. If Dallas wants to move 2022 first-round pick Tyler Smith from left guard to left tackle, Tomlinson could step in at guard, where his size would be a plus for a team that failed to impress in short-yardage and goal-line situations a year ago. - Bill Barnwell
Even if the Cowboys target a left tackle or guard with the 24th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, a veteran would serve as a solid insurance policy in case they're wiped out once they get on the clock.
The Cowboys could also get T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman involved in a battle for the starting gig but a veteran presence like Tomlinson's wouldn't hurt.
Not only does the football make sense but the financials would likely fit what the Cowboys are looking for. Tomlinson didn't live up to the hype with his recent deal with the Jets but at 32 years old, he's probably looking at a minimum type deal in 2024.
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