The Cowboys’ 2024 campaign has not gone quite according to plan as the team sits at 5-8, fighting for their playoff lives. While some of the blame for this can be cast on injuries, the makeup of the roster has to be taken into account, as well. That means it’ll be up to coaching and team management to make the improvements necessary to turn this team into a playoff squad in 2025.
Many members of the Cowboys’ fanbase were up in arms following an offseason that saw little free agent movement. That lack of movement has, no doubt, contributed in some part to some of the team’s struggles this year. Despite this likelihood, chief operating officer/executive vice president/director of player personnel Stephen Jones, son of owner/president/general manager Jerry Jones, has claimed that this year could see another conservative offseason in the free agent market for the Cowboys, per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The younger Jones told the media that free agent spending will be “really tight.” Starters like guard Zack Martin, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence are all in contract years, as are several other key pieces. There are plenty of areas, namely running back, that could use significant investment, as well.
With no commitment to free agent pursuit from ownership, Cowboys fans are going to need to look to the draft and internal development for answers to the team’s current weaknesses.
Here are a couple other rumors out of Dallas:
- According to Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports, quarterback Dak Prescott made a big stride in his recovery earlier this month, driving his vehicle while still walking with the assistance of a brace and crutches. Per Epstein, “Prescott expects his recovery window to conclude before 2025 offseason activities start.” Even with “no hard timeline” and an effort not to rush back, Prescott is hoping to have zero restrictions when the offseason arrives.
- There have been mixed opinions from pundits on the future of head coach Mike McCarthy in Dallas. Many believe he will be fired come season end, while others are under the impression that the senior Jones will retain him. Jones has expressed that he’s open to keeping McCarthy around, but per DLLS’ Clarence Hill Jr., Jones has identified a connection with Prescott as a key part of his decision-making. Luckily for McCarthy, Prescott recently endorsed the current head coach, but Jones has made it clear that he wants someone in the job who can get the most out of their franchise quarterback.
Cowboys better draft really well the next 2-4 years because they’re going to have a ton of money tied up in Dak, Lamb and Parsons once he gets a new deal.
They’ll have really high draft picks during that period, so that should help.
Carolina is a 2.5 favorite vs Dallas Sunday. Let that sink in.
And that’ll be the featured early game for Fox because “Dallas Against Anyone”. If you’re getting the Dallas game outside the Carolinas or Southwest, Fox is waving the white flag.
From what I’ve read, the defacto GM, Chris Vaughn, will become a true GM this offseason. He waited for his child to graduate high school before looking at GM openings and moving elsewhere.
He does all of the scouting and setting up their draft boards.
You’re thinking of Will McClay. He’s been their vice president of player personnel. Chris Vaughn is a college scout, and his only son is with the Cowboys already. Deuce Vaugn.
Thanks for the clarification. I knew they had a star hidden away. Sorry for the wrong person.
Nothing to apologize for, it’s just a mix-up of names. Could happen to anyone. I do think McClay will take a actual GM position sometime.
There are a few high quality players that reach the free agent market purely because of financial reasons but most players are in that market because they are past their prime, have a worrisome injury history or just haven’t produced well on the field. A smart GM knows that a good long range plan doesn’t involve loading up on one year rentals every offseason.