The Dallas Cowboys have been active in free agency, albeit not aggressive. With 11 new faces on the team, it’s clear there are some winners and losers on the roster based on their decisions.
Earlier in the week, I wrote about three Cowboys whose path to the 53-man roster had gotten more complicated. But now, I’m focusing on the winners: Players whose stock is up based on the team’s additions.
With that being said, I’m excluding players the Cowboys just signed (or re-signed) because this is more about other signings impacting certain players for good. Let’s dive in.
CB Caelen Carson
The Cowboys losing Jourdan Lewis in free agency is a tough blow for the defense but a great opportunity for second-year cornerback Caelen Carson. The former fifth-round pick is a versatile player who can line up either outside or on the slot, where Lewis played.
Wherever spot he’s tasked with filling doesn’t really matter. What does is that there are vacancies for the taking at cornerback. His nickname is seatbelt and it’s his time to buckle up.
QB Will Grier
Until proven otherwise, Will Grier is Dak Prescott’s backup. The Cowboys allowed Cooper Rush to walk in free agency and Trey Lance returning is quite unlikely considering the team didn’t even think he was worthy of being QB2 over Rush.
Though the expectation is for the Cowboys to draft a young player they can develop in April’s NFL Draft, that will be largely dependent on them finding the right player on the board in Day 3, as picking a QB in the first three rounds appears unlikely.
OT Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele
Two for one: The Cowboys could’ve addressed offensive tackle if they wanted to be aggressive and upgrade the starting lineup as multiple quality tackles, spearheaded by Ronnie Stanley, hit free agency this offseason.
However, the Cowboys will probably be seeking OL depth in the Draft instead. Guyton and Steele appear to have a good grip on their jobs.
WR Jalen Tolbert
Tolbert isn’t guaranteed to be WR2 behind CeeDee Lamb since the Cowboys can still do something about it via free agency or the Draft but his chances for WR3 are looking good.
The only free agent signing at the position has been Parris Campbell and he’s likelier to be a roster cut in August than to demote Tolbert. So far, so good for the former third-round pick.
DT Osa Odighizuwa
Osa is not on the list because of his $80 million deal but because of the signing of Solomon Thomas. Over the last few years, Odighizuwa hasn’t had someone to help keep his legs fresh. If Thomas remains on the upward trajectory he’s been since he started working with DL coach Aaron Whitecotton (who was with the Jets last year and is now in Dallas), he’ll be the best backup three-technique the Cowboys have had in a long time.
That should only benefit Odighizuwa’s overall production.
LB DeMarvion Overshown
Yes, the Cowboys added multiple linebackers in Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray last week but I see that as a positive for Overshown. The only one keeping him from a starting job is himself and his rehab from knee injury.
But the Cowboys having some added depth at the position makes it likelier for Overshown not to be rushed back. That’s a positive for him.