Release of two-time NFL rushing champion Ezekiel Elliott, Once considered the cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys’ desired success, it’s now the biggest and hottest topic.
But it was just a move in what had been a busy offseason of changes for the Cowboys that started with coaches Mike McCarthy fired eight coaches and took over play-calling duties, spearheaded by Kellen Moore’s departure.
A series of aggressive cap maneuvers led to the preferential re-signing of free agents, namely the trades of running back Tony Pollard, safety Donovan Wilson, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and four-time Pro Bowler cornerback Stephen Gilmore. continued. Former NFL defensive MVP.
It wasn’t business as usual for the Cowboys. The Cowboys have taken a passive stance on the offseason with the mantra, “We love our mates.”
With two straight playoff losses to the San Francisco 49ers since the season ended and an extended Super Bowl drought that spans 27 years since their last title, the Cowboys focus on what it takes to take the next step. I’ve been I took them out of their comfort zone.
McCarthy has shaken things up with a change in offensive coaching and philosophy, and a plan to put more emphasis on the running game and rely on the defense that has become the team’s strength.
The move with Elliott was certainly an extension of that, as the Cowboys are handing the key to the ongoing game to Pollard and the $10.1 million franchise tag.
The first big move the Cowboys made on defense was to retain coordinator Dan Quinn, who was a finalist for head coaching jobs in Denver and Arizona.
Since then, they’ve been in the business of strengthening his unit — leading the league in turnovers the last two seasons and leading any NFL franchise since the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s.
As free agency began, keeping Wilson and Vander Esch as the top tacklers for 2022 became a priority.
Wilson signed a three-year, $21 million contract with a $13.5 million guarantee Tuesday morning, and Vander Esch earned $11 million over two years that afternoon.
In the meantime, the Cowboys filled a big need by adding Gilmour in a compensatory fifth-round pick trade with the Indianapolis Colts.
Gilmour, who turns 33 next season, has a year left on his contract, a base of $7.9 million, and a $1 million roster bonus on May 20.
He gave the Cowboys a proven veteran opposite All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs and talks about the team’s winning mode in 2023.
To make it all happen, the Cowboys needed quarterback Dak Prescott ($22 million), guard Zach Martin ($8.8 million), receiver Michael Gallup ($7 million), and defensive end DeMarcus DeMarcus. Lawrence ($8.9 million) asked veteran tackle Tyrone Smith to take a pay cut.
Smith’s 2023 salary was $13.6 million. He now has a $6 million contract and $9.6 million clear on a new deal.
The eight-time Pro Bauer has missed at least three games in the past seven seasons through injury, including 14 in 2022, six in 2021 and 13 in 2020. .
He can get his money back through playtime incentives.
Most importantly, the Cowboys loosely $26 million capped space.
With the perceived need to add some juice to the passing game, the Cowboys may not be done with free agency just yet during this offseason of change.
Three-time Pro Bowl receiver Odell Beckham remains high on owner Jerry Jones’ wish list, but many other veteran receivers are available in trade.
stay tuned.
The Cowboys are no longer sitting idly by in the offseason.
