FRISCO, Texas – The Cowboys’ 2021 season ended abruptly in January, inviting examination. Several of the players the organization relied on over the past year have expiring contracts in the upcoming free-agent market. Dallas has 21 unrestricted free agents come March, potentially culminating in high roster turnover this offseason. On both sides of the football, the Cowboys have names set to become available that will garner attention aground the NFL.
Here is a ranking of the Cowboys’ top free agents based on production and value.
Randy Gregory (DE): After years of mental health struggles and off-field issues, Randy Gregory had his first full season since his rookie year in 2015. The Cowboys’ patience with the embattled defensive end paid off. He recorded six sacks (second on the team), 17 quarterback hits (second) and three forced fumbles in 12 games. Gregory bolstered the pass rush and provided flexibility in Dan Quinn’s blitz packages/stunts. The Nebraska product was a tailored fit in Quinn’s 4-3, hybrid sub-package system, producing results. A calf injury sidelined him for multiple weeks as he played in 12 of 17 games, but the right defensive end predominately played at the level the staff hoped he would achieve when they drafted him in the second round. He will undergo knee surgery but will make a full recovery this offseason. Gregory will be a hot commodity for teams around the league looking to boost their defensive front. Owner/GM Jerry Jones has been Gregory’s biggest advocate over the years despite the suspensions, so now that the believed potential materialized on the field, will the front office try to keep him in Dallas?
Jayron Kearse (SS): He solidified the Cowboys’ secondary in his first season donning a Star. Kearse exceeded expectations with earth-shattering hits and effectiveness on safety blitzes. In his breakout campaign, Kearse played at a Pro Bowl level. Kearse led the team in tackles with 101 and compiled two interceptions, 10 passes defensed and nine tackles for loss. He brought a physicality element to the back end of the Cowboys’ defense that had been lacking for the previous decade. If Kearse went elsewhere, Dallas would once again be left with the same void.
Dalton Schultz (TE): He became a reliable go-to target for Dak Prescott. Schultz recorded 78 catches for 808 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021. The question is will he be in the Cowboys price range? Schultz would likely earn $10-15 million per year, placing him among the highest-paid tight ends in the league. He could get a similar deal to what New England gave to Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith on the open market. Over the past two seasons, he has caught 74.2% of passes thrown his direction – fifth highest in the league. Schultz has yet to reach the elite tight end class of Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, George Kittle, or Darren Waller but he is an efficient pass-catcher. Would Dallas have enough room under the cap to keep him? The decision will likely be dictated by how much faith the organization has in Blake Jarwin.
Bryan Anger (P): In his first year with the Cowboys, Anger earned second-team All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl recognition. Anger’s 48.4 average per punt graded fourth-best in the league and his net of 44.6 yards led the NFL. A punter may not be a sexy position or one occupying headlines on Sundays, but Anger consistently gave the Cowboys’ an advantage week-after-week. He became one of the team’s top acquisitions last April and the Cowboys will likely strive to work out a deal.
Cedrick Wilson (WR): He provided a spark in the Cowboys’ offense when bumped to the No. 3 receiver spot as Gallup, Lamb, and Cooper missed time. Wilson is a reliable No. 4 receiver who can line up anywhere along the formation. He was effective on underneath routes and stretched the field vertically. Wilson set career-highs with 45 catches for 602 yards and six touchdowns. He added unique flexibility, with his ability to throw the football (former quarterback) on trick plays and assisted with special teams.
Michael Gallup (WR): A calf injury in Week 1 sidelined him until Week 10, raising question marks on his future with the franchise. When he returned to action, Gallup only averaged 49 receiving yards per game. He provides tremendous upside as a deep threat with nearly 3,000 yards since 2018 but did not meet expectations in 2021. With highlight-worthy acrobatic catches over the years, the ‘toe drag king’ will have limited options in the offseason following a torn ACL in Week 17.
Dorance Armstrong (DE): He became an effective rotational chess piece in Dan Quinn’s arsenal. Armstrong took advantage of opportunities, translating to his most productive season of his four-year tenure with the Cowboys. He recorded career-highs in sacks (5), tackles (37), and quarterback hits (12). In his first three years in Dallas, he accumulated just two sacks (~ 30% of team’s snaps). His limited production early in his career could result in a futile market but Dan Quinn was able to maximize his strengths in the trenches. Armstrong adds stout depth and depending on what happens with Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence (potential salary cap casualty), he is a player the Cowboys could not afford to lose on the D-Line additionally. He could end up back in Dallas on a short-term deal.
