The Cowboys may very well be ‘selectively aggressive’ by pursuing just lately launched veterans

The time period “selectively aggressive” from Stephen Jones took the world be storm on the NFL mix. Whereas Cowboys followers have change into very aware of the Cowboys lackluster use of free company, the current experiences and whispers recommend we might see a slight change of their method in 2025.

With that being stated, nobody expects the Cowboys to exit and spend main cash in free company, however might signing considered one of these just lately launched vets assist get the Cowboys again to playoff competition in 2025?

Joey Bosa

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Let me begin off by saying it is a large identify, which possible means his price ticket will take the Cowboys out of the working for pursuing the previous Los Angeles Chargers cross rusher. However we’re mentioning him on account of how extremely the Cowboys seen him popping out of Ohio State within the 2016 NFL draft.

Joey Bosa, when wholesome, continues to be one of many higher defensive ends within the NFL, however staying wholesome has been the primary situation for Bosa over the previous few years. Since 2022, Bosa has performed in simply 28 video games, racking up 18 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Bosa primarily performs on the left aspect which is the place DeMarcus Lawrence spent most of his time since Micah Parsons arrived in Dallas. Relying on the cash right here, the Cowboys might very properly make an aggressive push for Bosa, based mostly on his success within the NFL up to now, and the way they felt about him popping out of Ohio State again in 2016.

Dre’Mont Jones

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Recent off the brand new contract for Osa Odighizuwa, the Cowboys can be smart so as to add one other versatile defensive lineman previous to the NFL draft. Dre’Mont Jones is a really intriguing possibility for Dallas on account of his skill to play each defensive sort out and defensive finish. Jones signed a pleasant contract with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023, however was launched on March 4th because the Seahawks want to clear cap house earlier than the beginning of the league 12 months.

Jones had a really sturdy 2024 season, ending with 4 sacks, seven tackles for loss, 13 QB hits, and 45 pressures. These 45 pressures would have ranked fourth on the Cowboys final 12 months behind Micah Parsons, Osa Odighizuwa, and DeMarvion Overshown.

Tyler Lockett

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That is one which simply makes a whole lot of sense for each events. The Cowboys have a giant want at large receiver with Brandin Cooks possible leaving in free company, and though Tyler Lockett is on the incorrect aspect of 32, he has loads of familiarity with Brian Schottenheimer.

Whereas Lockett is on the decline at this level in his profession, he nonetheless has sufficient left within the tank to be a pleasant complement to CeeDee Lamb and bridge to a younger receiver the Cowboys might draft this April to grow to be an eventual WR2. Lockett performed 762 snaps in 2024, 545 approaching the surface with 215 coming from the slot. That cut up matches up properly with CeeDee Lamb’s position within the offense and can be an incredible alternative for Brandin Cooks who had the same share of snaps on the surface in 2024.

At this level in his profession, Lockett will possible be fairly reasonably priced and will look to return to his familiarity with Schottenheimer to shut out his NFL profession. Whereas he shouldn’t be seen as the answer for the Cowboys large receiver points, he could be a main a part of the repair transferring ahead.

Preston Smith

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Final however not least, now we have Preston Smith. Smith, a former Inexperienced Bay Packer and Pittsburgh Steeler, was launched by the Steelers in February after buying and selling for him on the deadline final season.

Smith, now 32, completed with simply 4.5 sacks in 2024, however reached eight sacks in 2023 (8), 2022 (8.5), and 2021 (9) with the Inexperienced Bay Packers. Whereas Smith will not be the strain participant he was in his youthful days, he stays an excellent participant in opposition to the run, receiving run protection grades of 64.3 (2024), 74.3 (2023), 64.1 (2022), and 72.1 (2021). If the Cowboys are unable to convey again DeMarcus Lawrence, discovering a dependable run defender to play reverse Micah Parsons will probably be a key want for the Cowboys popping out of this offseason.

With Smith’s age and pure decline, he may very well be a participant that falls within the Cowboys value vary, which might convey some worth to Matt Eberflus because the crew’s first-year defensive coordinator.