From a new coaching staff to new players on the roster, the Dallas Cowboys have undergone big change this offseason. Gone is Jason Garrett, in is Mike McCarthy as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Kellen Moore and Doug Nussmeier are familiar faces that have been kept around, but for the most part, it is a new regime running the show in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Dallas has also added — and lost — some talent this offseason. The defensive line was addressed through both free agency and in the draft, the passing game welcomed in another weapon, and the Cowboys are hoping to have a pair of talented pass rushers added to their defensive line in Aldon Smith (who was recently reinstated by the league) and Randy Gregory (who is still awaiting word).
On the flip side, Dallas will be without their number one corner, a pass rusher that totaled double-digit sacks, and a veteran center that was among the best at his position across the league and a key cog of the Cowboys offense.
We look at some of the best additions to the roster and a few important losses heading into the 2020 season.
Best Acquisitions
- CeeDee Lamb
In today’s NFL, it is more important than ever to invest resources into throwing the football. Quarterbacks are getting paid more than ever, passing records are being shattered, and points are lighting up the scoreboard. Therefore, it made sense for the Cowboys — who already have a pair of 1,000-yard pass catchers on its roster — to not blink when CeeDee Lamb fell to the 17th overall first-round draft pick.
Lamb is a special talent at the wide receiver position that should fit right into Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore’s offense, able to play all over the offense and line up inside in the slot or on the outside. Quarterback Dak Prescott is coming off his best statistical season as a pro, but the Cowboys have a need at pass catcher behind the talented duo of Cooper and Gallup.
Lamb has the talent to become a legitimate weapon in the Dallas offense as a rookie, and the Cowboys are very fortunate that such a prospect fell into their lap in April.
- Gerald McCoy
Two of the positions that have been largely ignored by the front office and the previous coaching regime are safety and defensive tackle. Gerald McCoy is one of three players that the Dallas Cowboys added this offseason to address the weakness in the interior of the defensive line, along with Dontari Poe and Neville Gallimore.
The 32-year old defender was among the best free agent signees by the team this offseason. Coming off a season in which he notched 37 tackles, 13 QB hits, and five sacks, McCoy figures to be an important piece in Mike Nolan’s defense this year.
- Trevon Diggs
Secondary is a big question mark for the Cowboys entering the 2020 season. While there is some uncertainty regarding the safety spots, despite returning Xavier Woods and the addition of veteran Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, corner is really the position of worry.
The Cowboys selected Alabama product Trevon Diggs in the second-round of this April’s draft. Diggs possesses elite length and the speed needed to develop into a solid player in the Dallas secondary. While there will be some growing pains during his rookie season, it was vital for the Cowboys to add a defensive back of Diggs’ caliber to its roster after losing their All-Pro corner.
Other notable additions: Aldon Smith, Neville Gallimore, Tyler Biadasz, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Greg Zuerlein, Blake Bell
Biggest Losses
Byron Jones (Miami Dolphins)
After years playing the safety position, Byron Jones truly lived up to his first-round pedigree after moving to corner. While Jones does not have the flashy interception numbers that some other corners do, the UConn product was a blanket on opposing wide receivers, forcing quarterbacks to look the other way.
The Cowboys allowed their 2015 first-round draft choice to walk in free agency, leaving a big question mark in the secondary. Dallas needs a mixture of their defensive backs and Nolan’s scheme to attempt to replace some of what Jones brought to the table.
- Robert Quinn (Chicago Bears)
Dallas made a quiet, underrated move last offseason when they sent a sixth-round pick to Miami for Robert Quinn. Playing opposite of DeMarcus Lawrence, Quinn got after the passer and totaled 11.5 sacks in 2019. Quinn cashed in on his big season, signing a five-year, $70 million deal with the Chicago Bears.
Similar to the situation with Jones, the Cowboys were not willing to match what Chicago was offering to Quinn in free agency. As a result, Dallas is relying on a group of Aldon Smith, Randy Gregory, and others to give Lawrence a partner in crime on the end of the defensive line.
- Travis Frederick (Retirement)
For all of the talk and excitement surrounding the Dallas Cowboys offense, there is one glaring hole: the center position. After missing the 2018 season because of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Frederick fought his way back on to the field last season. However, the former first-team All-Pro selection and five-time Pro Bowler decided to hang it up this offseason.
Replacing Frederick is a huge and important storyline for the Cowboys. Joe Looney filled in nicely during the 2018 season, but the Cowboys also have 2019 third-round pick Connor McGovern and 2020 rookie Tyler Biadasz battling for the starting center role. There is a lot of talent on the Cowboys offensive depth chart — including the offensive line that features Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and La’el Collins — but Dallas must find a suitable replacement in the interior of the line.
Other notable losses: Randall Cobb (Texans), Maliek Collins (Raiders), Jason Witten (Raiders), Jeff Heath (Raiders), Cam Fleming (Giants)