The Dallas Cowboys have maintained a relatively low profile during this offseason, refraining from major roster overhauls while witnessing the departures of key players such as Dan Quinn, Tyron Smith, and Tony Pollard.
Despite the absence of splashy signings, the free-agent market still holds promising options for the Cowboys.
Here, we delve into two impactful players that the Cowboys should consider adding to their roster.
Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back
A reunion with Ezekiel Elliott would undoubtedly invigorate the Cowboys fanbase. With a noticeable vacuum at the running back position, bringing back Elliott emerges as a strategic move for Dallas.
Although the Cowboys released Elliott in 2023 due to salary cap constraints, his market value has since become more favorable. While he may not possess the same explosive speed of his earlier years, Elliott remains a capable and productive tailback.
During his tenure with the New England Patriots in 2023, Elliott demonstrated his versatility by amassing 642 rushing yards, 313 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. Serving as the RB2 for the Patriots, he showcased his capacity to influence the game positively. Given the evident gap in the Cowboys’ backfield, the 28-year-old Elliott presents a compelling option for Dallas.
In his seven seasons with the Cowboys, Elliott amassed an impressive 8,262 rushing yards, 2,336 receiving yards, and 80 total touchdowns. While he may not replicate his prime form, his return to Dallas could bolster the team’s ground game significantly.
Jamal Adams, Safety
Jamal Adams, a Texas native, attracted interest from the Dallas Cowboys four years ago when he sought a trade from the New York Jets. Despite eventually landing with the Seattle Seahawks, Adams’ stint there concluded on a sour note, marred by injuries in 2021 and 2022.
Following his release on Mar. 5, Adams now finds himself on the open market for the first time in his career. The departure of Jayron Kearse has left a void in the Cowboys’ safety position, making Adams an intriguing prospect for Dallas.
Known for his prowess around the line of scrimmage, Adams excels as a run-stopper and blitz threat, attributes that align well with the Cowboys’ defensive needs. While the Cowboys experimented with lighter safeties like Markquese Bell and Donovan Wilson in the box during 2023, the results were less than satisfactory.
Despite concerns stemming from his injury history, Adams offers a compelling blend of instinct and tackling ability. With 494 total stops, 36 pass breakups, and 21 sacks over his seven-year career, Adams presents a low-risk, high-reward signing opportunity for Dallas, especially considering the current surplus of safeties in the market.
In conclusion, both Ezekiel Elliott and Jamal Adams represent viable options for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, each bringing unique skill sets that could address critical areas of need within the team.
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