The Dallas Cowboys have several offseason moves to consider while still attempting to add new talent so they can finally get past their postseason barrier and make a run at the Lombardi Trophy.
One of the biggest decisions Jerry Jones and company need to make this offseason is whether they are going to extend QB Dak Prescott early in a move that would free up cap space, trade or release him — which is highly unlikely given the dead money the team would be stuck with — or have him continue to play on his current contract which isn’t ideal for a variety of reasons.
Most likely, Jones will attempt to persuade Prescott to take a team-friendly extension where he will get guaranteed money in the form of a signing bonus or later in his contract to free up room for the salary cap in 2024.
Prescott’s current contract is set to have a $59.4 million cap hit next season, an extension is likely on its way before the start of the March 13, 2024 business year. That’s always been the plan.
The next thing to consider are extensions for the other Dallas Cowboys two biggest stars, Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb who are both nearing the end of their rookie deals.
While it may take releasing notable names like Michael Gallup, Brandin Cooks and even DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys will still find creative ways to land new talent through the NFL Draft and free agency.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes Dallas should take a swing at the No. 1 free agent available this offseason, according to PFF.
Dallas Cowboys Expected To Make Move To Sign Kansas City Chiefs Star DT Chris Jones In 2024
Knox has a simple argument for Jerry Jones and company making a massive free-agency splash this offseason.
The Cowboys’ run defense is average and Jones is NFL’s “premier” player at defensive tackle.
“In losses to the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers (in the playoffs), the Dallas defense was battered by the ground game,” writes Knox. “Adding a premier defensive tackle like Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs would help the Cowboys bolster their run defense on the front line. Dallas just used a first-round pick on Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith, but Smith was always going to be a developmental prospect.”Dallas’ defense ranked 16th in rushing yards and 15th in yards per attempt allowed. In the three aforementioned losses to those elite teams, the Cowboys allowed an average of 193 rushing yards per game. For perspective, the worst run defense in the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals, allowed 143.2 rushing yards per game.
In other words, yes, the Dallas Cowboys run defense and lack of quality run-stoppers is their biggest problem entering the offseason.
There’s little doubt that Chris Jones remains elite as he enters his age-30 season in 2024. He just clinched his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and his second First-Team All-Pro selection after posting 30 tackles to go along with 10.5 sacks. He’s been a menace in the playoffs for the Kanas City Chiefs, as he is every season.
While it’s obvious Jones will be a hot commodity and one of the top free agents on the market, the big question is, how much will he be paid in free agency? According to Spotrac, his market value is $28.1 million per season for a total of $84.6 million across three years. That would make Jones the second-highest paid defensive tackle in the league
Entering the 2024 offseason, the Dallas Cowboys don’t exactly have a lot of salary cap space. According to Spotrac, Dallas is $11 million in the red over the salary cap, ranking 26th in the league. They’ll have to clear up cap space and make a few roster moves just to have a chance at signing Jones.
“Jones would be an immediate difference-maker against the run while also boosting Dallas’ pass rush,” writes Knox. “Creating the cap space needed to sign him would be a challenge, but the 29-year-old should be at the very top of the Cowboys’ wish list.”
If Dallas finds a way to add Chris Jones after yet another huge year for the Kansas City Chiefs, it just may be the move to help take a really good defense to great.
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