The Dallas Cowboys: A Season to Forget and the Road Ahead

The NFL Playoffs are here, but the Dallas Cowboys find themselves on the sidelines. After ending their season with two consecutive losses, they concluded their campaign with a disappointing 7-10 record, finishing third in the NFC East. For the first time in four years, the Cowboys failed to make the postseason—a letdown that encapsulates the challenges they’ve faced over the past year.

A Rocky Start: Preseason Troubles

The Cowboys’ struggles can be traced back to an uneventful 2024 offseason that left fans and analysts questioning the team’s preparedness. Uncertainty mounted as the season began, and things worsened when quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending injury during a losing streak. Adding to the turbulence was contract drama involving Prescott and star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, creating a backdrop of instability for America’s Team.

Financial Struggles and Free Agent Dilemmas

The Cowboys are not only dealing with on-field issues but also financial constraints. With limited salary cap space, more than 20 players are set to become free agents. Key names include veterans like Brandin Cooks, Zack Martin, and DeMarcus Lawrence. While some players, such as Rico Dowdle and Osa Odighizuwa, are reportedly top priorities for re-signing, significant departures seem inevitable.

However, restructuring Prescott’s and Lamb’s contracts could provide much-needed flexibility, allowing Dallas to pursue outside free agents. The question remains: who should the Cowboys target to strengthen their roster?

Potential Targets to Rebuild the Roster

Amari Cooper: Reviving the Offense
Adding depth to the wide receiver position is crucial for the Cowboys’ offense. While CeeDee Lamb delivered another stellar season, breaking the 1,000-yard mark, the lack of a clear number-two receiver has been evident. A dynamic second option—akin to the Jaylen Waddle-Tyreek Hill duo—would elevate Dallas’ offense significantly.

Enter Amari Cooper, a familiar face who has proven his value in Dallas before. Though his 2024 stats were modest (547 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns), they reflect midseason challenges after being traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills. Cooper’s familiarity with Dak Prescott and coach Mike McCarthy’s system makes him a logical fit. At 30 years old, Cooper still has plenty left in the tank, as evidenced by his career-high 1,250-yard season in 2023. A reunion could reignite the Cowboys’ aerial attack.

B.J. Hill: Bolstering Run Defense
The Cowboys struggled mightily to stop the run, surrendering an average of 137.1 rushing yards per game—the fourth worst in the league—and an NFL-high 25 rushing touchdowns. With Osa Odighizuwa’s future uncertain, addressing this weakness is paramount.

B.J. Hill, a defensive tackle from the Cincinnati Bengals, offers a solution. Despite battling injuries, Hill managed 56 tackles and three sacks in 15 games this season. When fully healthy in 2023, he recorded 4.5 sacks, showcasing his disruptive potential. Though Hill is 29, a short-term deal could provide immediate value and shore up the Cowboys’ interior defense.

Mekhi Becton: Reinforcing the Offensive Line
With Zack Martin’s future in limbo, the Cowboys face the daunting task of securing their offensive line. While drafting a long-term replacement is ideal, adding a proven veteran could provide immediate stability.

Mekhi Becton, a 6-foot-7, 363-pound lineman, is an intriguing option. Transitioning from tackle to guard, Becton started all 15 games for the Philadelphia Eagles this season. His performance metrics, including superior pass-blocking and run-blocking grades compared to Cowboys’ backup Brock Hoffman, highlight his effectiveness. Although Becton allowed slightly more sacks, his extensive 903 snaps demonstrate durability and reliability. Whether as a starter or depth piece, Becton would enhance Dallas’ offensive line.

The Path Forward

The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads. After a tumultuous season, they must navigate financial constraints, re-sign key players, and make strategic additions in free agency. Reviving the team’s fortunes will require not only talent but also leadership and resilience.

With the right moves, the Cowboys can address their weaknesses and reassert themselves as playoff contenders. While the 2024 season is one to forget, it also provides valuable lessons for a brighter future. Fans remain hopeful that America’s Team will rise again and reclaim its place in the NFL’s upper echelon.