The Dallas Cowboys’ Free Agency Strategy: A Calculated Gamble?

A Quiet Free Agency Period The Dallas Cowboys have once again taken a conservative approach to free agency, much to the frustration of their fanbase. While teams across the NFL are making splashy moves to bolster their rosters, Dallas remains notably inactive. This lack of activity isn’t due to a lack of cap space or available talent but rather a long-standing organizational philosophy. The Cowboys’ front office prioritizes the NFL’s compensatory pick system, a strategy that influences nearly every free agency decision they make.

The Compensatory Pick Formula At its core, the compensatory pick system rewards teams for losing more free agents than they sign. According to Over The Cap, “If a team loses more players that qualify as Compensatory Free Agents than it signs during free agency, that team is eligible to be awarded compensatory picks in the following NFL draft.” This policy has become a major factor in how the Cowboys operate in free agency, often choosing to let mid-tier free agents walk in exchange for additional draft capital.

A Heavy Reliance on Draft Picks The Cowboys’ faith in the compensatory pick system has paid off once again. Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, Dallas was awarded a league-high four compensatory picks for their losses in last year’s free agency. The departures of key players such as center Tyler Biadasz, edge rusher Dante Fowler, running back Tony Pollard, and left tackle Tyron Smith contributed to the team’s compensatory haul. As a result, Dallas now holds 11 total selections in the upcoming draft, including:

• Round 5, Pick 170 (34)
• Round 5, Pick 171 (35)
• Round 5, Pick 174 (38)
• Round 6, Pick 211 (35)

These extra selections provide the Cowboys with significant draft flexibility. However, with no fourth-round pick, they may look to package some of their later-round selections in a trade to move up the draft board.

Potential Trade Scenarios Armed with a surplus of Day 3 picks, the Cowboys have options. One possibility is trading up in the draft to secure a premier offensive playmaker. With their 12th overall pick, Dallas could already be in a prime position to land a top prospect, but moving up a few spots could ensure they get a game-changing talent.

Alternatively, the Cowboys could use their draft capital to trade for veteran players, a strategy they have successfully employed in the past. In 2023, they acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore via trade, strengthening key areas without overspending in free agency. A similar approach in 2025 could see them target proven talent at positions of need rather than gambling on rookies.

The Risk and Reward of the Cowboys’ Strategy Dallas’ reliance on the compensatory pick formula is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows them to accumulate additional draft assets and maintain financial flexibility. On the other hand, it often leaves them without key free-agent reinforcements, forcing the team to rely heavily on the draft and internal player development. This approach has kept the Cowboys competitive but has also contributed to their struggles in taking the next step toward a Super Bowl.

A Philosophy That Divides Fans Cowboys fans remain divided on this approach. Some appreciate the long-term vision and fiscal responsibility, while others grow increasingly impatient with the team’s unwillingness to make aggressive free-agent moves. With teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers consistently bolstering their rosters through both free agency and the draft, the question remains: Is the Cowboys’ strategy truly positioning them for success, or is it holding them back?

The Verdict: Smart or Stubborn? One thing is certain—Dallas is once again fully committed to playing the compensatory pick game. Whether this leads to long-term success or another season of playoff heartbreak remains to be seen. But for better or worse, the Cowboys are sticking to their guns, betting big on the draft, and hoping their patient approach will finally pay off in 2025.