The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2021 season in better shape than they ended the 2020 season in. Dak Prescott, despite a nagging shoulder injury, is expected to be ready to play in Week 1.
In addition to Prescott, the offensive line is back in good health. Defensively, the team still has some question marks. But, if they can improve, Dallas could make some noise this season given how dynamic the offense is looking.
But, merely being average is not something Jerry Jones ever wants to settle for. He always keeps his eye out on players that can come in and make an immediate impact with the team to help them in games.
Here are three stars the Cowboys should target in the future to upgrade the roster.
3. Chandler Jones
The Dallas Cowboys pass rush could use a boost. Demarcus Lawrence led the team with 6.0 sacks in 2020, but they have very little established firepower other than him to use.
Aldon Smith left in free agency, signing with the Seattle Seahawks. The team is counting on Randy Gregory to stay on the field, something that has not happened consistently during his NFL career.
Targeting a veteran such as Chandler Jones would be a smart move by Dallas. If the Arizona Cardinals are looking to part ways with him now, they can get into trade negotiations. If not, they can try and sign him as a free agent in 2022.
2. Brandon Linder
It was not too long ago that the Dallas Cowboys had the best offensive line in the NFL. Last season, injuries decimated the unit, causing some issues for the offense. This season, they are looking to get back on track.
Tyron Smith, La’el Collins and Zack Martin are all healthy as we approach the 2021 season. But, the center spot could be one the team looks to upgrade in the near future.
Tyler Biadasz was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and struggled as a rookie. Joe Looney, who has since retired, started a majority of the games in 2020. The Cowboys should give him a shot to improve during his second season, but if he doesn’t get better, they need to start putting together alternative plans.
In 2023, Brandon Linder of the Jacksonville Jaguars becomes a free agent. He would be worth looking into to shore up the interior of the Cowboys’ line if Biadasz doesn’t show improvements between now and then. Linder is one of the best centers in the NFL despite not receiving the same attention as other players at the position.
1. Stephon Gilmore
The Dallas Cowboys’ secondary is a bit of a mess. They took a gamble on allowing Byron Jones to leave in free agency and thus far, it is a gamble that the Cowboys have lost.
Second-year cornerback Trevon Diggs is the No. 1 corner for the team, but he could use some help. Targeting a veteran with the credentials of Stephon Gilmore would make a lot of sense.
Gilmore is looking for a new contract from the New England Patriots, and he deserves it. He has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in recent years, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019.
Acquiring him from New England in a trade is a possible path for them to take. If not, they can try and bid for his services when he is a free agent in 2022.
