Grading the first wave of Cowboys free agency

The Dallas Cowboys aren't done building their 2026 roster but with the first week of free agency frenzy over, it's a good time to pause and grade the job Jerry Jones and Co. have done so far.

We'll look at the best, the worst, and other notes from the Cowboys' free agency so far before landing on a final grade. Let's start on a positive note, shall we?

The best from Cowboys free agency so far: Secondary addressed

With new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker having such a strong background coaching defensive backs, I applaud the front office for zeroing on safety and cornerback among their biggest additions.

The Cowboys have added two starting-caliber defensive backs in safety Jalen Thompson and cornerback Cobie Durant.

Thompson is a versatile safety who can play in the box, at free safety, and even in the slot. Durant is a starting-caliber corner who can play inside or outside. While the group may be missing a star, the Cowboys have given Parker a lot of options to improve Dallas' secondary, which looks better on paper.

And while P.J. Locke may be better as a high-end backup, I wouldn't be surprised if he's used often in three-safety packages, either.

The biggest concern: Linebacker not addressed

I'm terrified at what the Cowboys LB room right now, which currently counts with DeMarvion Overshow, Shemar James, and Justin Barron. Out of those three, only Overshown is starting-caliber candidate for Week 1.

The Cowboys took swings in free agency at Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, and Devin Lloyd but walked away with none of them. Now, it seems like their only shot at landing a true difference-maker is via the trade market or the NFL Draft.

From Day 1 of the offseason, the Cowboys have admittedly looked at linebacker as one of their biggest needs. Failing to secure one in free agency will affect their grade.

All the Cowboys additions so far

• Traded for EDGE Rashan Gary.
• Signed S Jalen Thompson, three-year deal worth $36 million.
• Re-signed DE Sam Williams, one-year deal worth $3 million.
• Signed S P.J. Locke, one-year deal worth $5 million.
• Signed NT Otito Ogbonnia, one-year deal worth $3 million.
• Signed QB Sam Howell, one-year deal.
• Signed DE Tyrus Wheat, one-year deal.
• Signed OL Matt Hennessy, one-year deal.
• Signed CB Cobie Durant, one-year deal.

3 more thoughts

1. Dealing Osa Odighizuwa away really hurts the Cowboys offseason in my book. I'm open to changing my mind if they make another trade using the third-round draft pick they got for a ready-to-play veteran but otherwise, losing one of your best defenders for a third-round pick doesn't fit Dallas' mindset of winning now.
2. The Cowboys not adding an offensive tackle was expected, but pass protection on the edges was an issue in 2025. Based on the fact that head Brian Schottenheimer has yet to rule out a switch to tackle for Tyler Smith, they know it's a need.
3. Adding Rashan Gary is a solid move, and I don't mind the compensation. I wonder if the Cowboys have one more move coming at EDGE, though.

Grading Cowboys free agency frenzy: C+

If you take each addition the Cowboys have made so far and evaluate them one-by-one, they're solid moves. They're an improvement over last year's gambles on former first-round picks hoping to turn their careers around.

But the Cowboys talked about being close to a championship thanks to their elite offense, and how they'd bust the budget to maximize Dak Prescott's best football. They have yet to make the kind of splash that truly moves the needle. Their biggest move has been losing Odighizuwa at DT. It's hard to argue they're better off entering the season than last year.

Let's see if they have an ace under their sleeve but right now, I doubt it.