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Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What's one move the Commanders should make before training camp?
The Washington Commanders are finished with free agency and the 2025 NFL draft. While free agency never ends, the major moves occurred months ago. Fortunately, help can still be found in free agency for teams with specific needs. Everyone on the outside believes the Commanders need an edge rusher. Washington lost Dante Fowler Jr., who led the team with 10.5 sacks. The Commanders allowed Fowler to walk, knowing he has only reached that number of sacks twice in his 10-year NFL career and struggles against the run. Advertisement Most analysts believed Washington would target an edge rusher early in the draft. Not only did the Commanders not target a pass rusher early, but they also didn't choose one with any of their five selections. Could it be that general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn like their current crop of edge rushers more than those on the outside? Or, perhaps, Peters and Quinn want to see the current group throughout OTAs, minicamp, and/or training camp before choosing to sign a veteran. The good news is that there are some options available. Veteran pass rushers Von Miller, Za'Darius Smith and Jadeveon Clowney are the top pass rushers available. Bleacher Report recently named one move every NFL team should make before the end of the offseason. That move for Washington is signing Clowney. Last season, Dante Fowler Jr. led Washington in sacks with 10.5. In free agency, he signed with his former team, the Cowboys. The Commanders have tried to shore up the defensive end position, signing Deatrich Wise and Jacob Martin. They can continue to stockpile veterans to bolster their pass-rushing committee. At 32, Clowney can be productive in a rotational role. Last year, he recorded 46 tackles, nine for loss, 5.5 sacks and 22 pressures while on the field for 64 percent of the defensive snaps. Deatrich Wise was brought in to help solidify the run defense. Jacob Martin is more of a reserve edge rusher. Clowney makes the most sense of the veteran pass rushers that the Commanders could sign. He is solid against the run, still gets to the quarterback and offers the most upside of the available pass rushers. Advertisement Should Washington make this move? Well, that's up to Peters, but Clowney would be a logical fit, and he is comfortable signing one-year deals, which should make the Commanders happy. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Should the Commanders sign veteran edge rusher?
USA Today
20-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Massive hole remains on Cowboys defense, demanding attention in 2025 NFL draft
A successful offseason typically requires harmony between free agency and the NFL draft. Proven veterans are matched with wild-card rookies to plug holes, hedge bets and build for the future. The Dallas Cowboys, who typically like to do things their own way, often lean heavily on the latter while stubbornly neglecting the former. 2025 has been a different story for Dallas. The Cowboys deployed Operation: Selectively Aggressive, hitting free agency and the trade market with purpose and urgency. It has netted them 10 new players and counting which has positioned them better than expected for the 2025 NFL draft in April. One area of the roster where the Cowboys paid particular attention to was to their defensive line. By inking Dante Fowler, Solomon Thomas and Payton Turner, Dallas built up their rotation and possibly even found a starter in the process. Together with Micah Parsons, Marshawn Kneeland, Sam Williams and their $80 million man Osa Odighizuwa, the Cowboys have put together a fairly solid defensive line. Except for one massive hole, that is. True to form the Cowboys have again turned their backs on the 1-tech defensive tackle spot this offseason. The position known for stoutness and run defense remains a glaring problem in Dallas, and based on what's left on the free agent market, it's likely to remain a problem until the the NFL draft. Over recent years the Cowboys have treated the 1-tech position like a second-class citizen, filling it with a mix of journeymen and replacement level players. They used a first-round pick on a defensive tackle in 2023 when they picked Mani Smith from Michigan, but he's floated between the two tackle spots, struggling mightily to play the run when positioned at 1-tech. It's a worrisome issue for a team that was routinely abused by the run in 2024. Luckily for the Cowboys, the 2025 draft class has a hefty collection of stout 1-techs available for the taking. Options should be there in the first, second and even third round of the upcoming draft. It stands to reason Dallas' neglect in free agency was calculated because the front office intends on targeting the position early in the draft. Together with running back, receiver and cornerback, the Cowboys have plenty of needs and not enough premium picks on hand to confidently address them. The overall quality of the draft this year is believed to be poor, so trading back to pick up additional picks will be harder than in previous years. The returns will be lesser so everyone might as well toss those trade value charts out the window this year. With such an enormous hole to fill in the middle of the defensive line, the Cowboys can ill afford to push the 1-tech spot into Day 3. Contrary to popular belief, it's RB that might get the bump down in this abnormally deep RB class. If the Cowboys want to get a starting quality DT out of this class, they'll probably need to invest a top 75 pick to find him. Interior defensive linemen with pass rushing skills go first, but Dallas doesn't necessarily need pass rushing skills from their 1-tech. They need stoutness, discipline and run stopping ability which are qualities that should be attainable in the second and third rounds. The Cowboys did some good things in free agency but in order to make this defensive line they still need one enormous addition.
New York Times
16-03-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Dallas Cowboys free-agency tracker: Dante Fowler returns; Miles Sanders joins RB room
It's the question most Dallas Cowboys fans want answered: Will the Cowboys be serious players in free agency this week? History tells us they will not be. But their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, spent some money a year ago and look where it got them. Is that enough to get Jerry Jones to open the checkbook this week? Executive VP Stephen Jones said the Cowboys' approach would be 'selectively aggressive.' Jerry Jones said last week that aggressive was not the right word. Advertisement We'll see how things go. P Bryan Anger (re-signed): One-year deal S Markquese Bell (re-signed): Three years, around $12 million WR Parris Campbell (free agent): One-year deal CB Kaiir Elam (trade): for 2025 fifth and 2026 seventh-round picks Edge Dante Fowler (free agent): One year, $8 million CB CJ Goodwin (re-signed): One-year deal G Brock Hoffman (re-signed): One-year deal OL Robert Jones (free agent): One-year deal S Israel Mukuamu (re-signed): One-year deal LB Kenneth Murray (trade): Plus 2025 seventh-round pick for 2025 sixth-round pick DT Osa Odighizuwa (re-signed): Four years, $80 million ($52 million guaranteed) LB Jack Sanborn (free agent): One-year deal RB Miles Sanders (free agent): One-year deal LS Trent Sieg (re-signed): Three years, $4.45 million ($3.1 million guaranteed) S Juanyeh Thomas (re-signed): One-year deal DT Solomon Thomas (free agent): Two years, up to $8 million DE Payton Turner (free agent): One year, $3 million ($2 million guaranteed) KR/WR KaVontae Turpin (re-signed): Three years, $18 million DE Tyrus Wheat (re-signed): One-year deal RB Javonte Williams (free agent): One year, up to $3.5 million LB Eric Kendricks WR Brandin Cooks QB Trey Lance Here is our running list of Dallas free-agency news that we will update throughout free agency as things happen. The legal-tampering period began Monday at 12 p.m. ET and teams can officially sign free agents Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET when the new league year begins. The Cowboys are bringing back veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler on a one-year deal worth up to $8 million. What it means: The 30-year-old is coming off a 10 1/2-sack season last year with the Washington Commanders. The two previous seasons in Dallas (2022-2023) he had 10 sacks in 34 games. The Cowboys needed help at edge rusher after DeMarcus Lawrence departed in free agency. Fowler can now team up with Micah Parsons, Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland and Payton Turner to give Dallas a solid DE rotation. Defensive end could still be targeted in the draft but it's not as much of a priority after this addition. Advertisement After it looked like the Cowboys were in the mix for bring former Rams receiver Cooper Kupp on board, he reached a three-year deal for $45 million with the Seahawks, according to The Athletic. The Rams released Kupp on Wednesday after he spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. He had a monster year in 2021, winning the triple crown of receiving by leading the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16). The Rams won the Super Bowl that season and he also caught the game-winning TD pass in that game to beat the Bengals. Kupp, 31, has battled nagging injuries in the three seasons since, playing nine games in 2022 and 12 in each of the past two seasons. Last season, he caught 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns. Sanders, who spent the past two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, is expected to sign with the Cowboys, according to a report. What it means: The veteran running back didn't have much success in Carolina over the last two seasons, averaging only 3.5 yards per carry after averaging 5.0 yards per carry during his first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Sanders, 27, had a career-year in 2022, rushing for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns on an Eagles team that reached the Super Bowl. The Cowboys now have Javontae Williams, who was recently added on a one-year deal, Sanders and Deuce Vaughn at running back. Dallas still needs to address the position at some point in the draft. It's a good bet that their leading rusher next season will be someone drafted next month. Dowdle, who ran for a career-best 1,079 yards last season in Dallas, has reached a one-year deal with the Panthers, where he will be the No. 2 back to Chuba Hubbard. The Cowboys signed Javonte Williams from the Broncos and he is the frontrunner to be the Cowboys' lead back entering the season or at least be part of the rotation, depending on who else Dallas adds to its RB room. Advertisement Dallas dealt a sixth-round pick in April's draft for Murray and 2025 seventh-round pick, the team announced Wednesday night. Dallas badly needed help at the position and Murray should be able to be a quality starter alongside Marist Liufau and Jack Sanborn. A linebacker could still be added later in the draft but it's nowhere near the need it was 24 hours ago. GO DEEPER DeMarcus Lawrence takes shot at Cowboys, sparking tiff with Micah Parsons After spending the first 11 seasons of his NFL career with Dallas, Lawrence will play for the Seattle Seahawks next season after agreeing to a three-year deal worth up to $42 million with $18 million guaranteed, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. Lawrence only played four games last season after a foot injury ended up sidelining him for the rest of the season. He made the Pro Bowl in 2022 and 2023. The Cowboys are signing Jack Sanborn to a one-year deal, reuniting the former Bears linebacker with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who was his head coach in Chicago. Dave Borgonzi, Dallas' linebackers coach, also coached the position with the Bears the past three seasons while Sanborn played there. The 2022 undrafted free agent is a solid add for the Cowboys, who are dealing with uncertainty at linebacker with DeMarvion Overshown's injury. Overshown will not be ready for training camp or the regular season, and how long his absence stretches into the regular season remains unknown. Marist Liufau was a pleasant surprise last year as a rookie but the Cowboys needed somebody to pair with him during Overshown's absence. Sanborn could be that player. Much like Eric Kendricks was last year for Zimmer, Sanborn could also help Eberflus install his defense with a new roster. Sanborn has limitations but he's solid against the run and a good downhill linebacker — the Cowboys can certainly use that. Dallas sent a fifth-round pick in this year's draft along with a seventh in 2026 for Kaiir Elam and a sixth-round pick this year. What it means: The Cowboys were desperately in need of cornerback help with Jourdan Lewis leaving in free agency and Trevon Diggs dealing with a significant knee injury. Elam didn't live up to expectations in Buffalo but he has good size and the Cowboys didn't give up all that much in the process. Dallas still needs to address cornerback in the draft. Elam was drafted one pick before Dallas selected standout offensive guard Tyler Smith in 2022. Elam's father, Abram Elam, played for the Cowboys in 2006 and 2011. Advertisement The Cowboys are bringing back punter Bryan Anger on a two-year deal, according to the team. After re-signing long snapper Trent Sieg and special teams ace CJ Goodwin, and All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey still under contract for another year, the Cowboys are bringing back their entire core special teams group, aside from special teams coordinator John Fassel. On the field, though, the primary punt and field goal operations will be the same as they were a year ago. Anger was a key part of both — he's the holder for Aubrey on the field goal unit. After four forgettable seasons in New Orleans where he played just 31 games, Turner — the 28th overall pick in 2021 — is joining the Cowboys. How he fits: Depth at edge rusher is needed with Chauncey Golston headed to the New York Giants and DeMarcus Lawrence unlikely to return. Turner was a first-round pick in 2021 but he never came close to playing up to his potential in New Orleans. Injuries were a factor as Turner didn't start a game over the previous four seasons. The 6-6, 270-pound Turner played in a career-high 16 games last season, totaling two sacks, two forced fumbles, three QB hits and three tackles for loss. Micah Parsons, Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland are the top three edge rushers on the roster. Turner could end up getting in the mix, but this deal doesn't prevent them from drafting an edge rusher early in next month's draft. The Pro-Bowl kick returner and receiver agreed to a three-year deal with the Cowboys on Tuesday. The deal is worth $18 million, according to multiple reports. What it means: Turpin has been arguably the NFL's best punt and kick returners for the last three years. But he has also seen an increased usage as a wide receiver. This new deal likely signals a bigger role on offense for Turpin under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Turpin's speed has been utilized on jet sweeps, slant routes and deep balls, but it seems like there is more production to be had. Dallas still needs help at wide receiver, but one way the offense could see some changes is finding more ways for Turpin to get the ball in space. How successful he can be as an offensive weapon will depend on how creative Schottenheimer can be as an offensive mind. How he fits: The Cowboys have been looking to add depth at defensive tackle after re-signing Osa Odighizuwa. Solomon Thomas, who is from Coppell, Texas, was the third overall pick in the 2017 draft. However, he has not played at the level of a top-five pick. The Cowboys will be his fourth team after previously playing for the 49ers, Raiders and Jets. Last season, Thomas ranked 101 out of 118 interior defensive linemen by Pro Football Focus. Odighizuwa was 31. Dallas' other starting defensive tackle, Mazi Smith, was 117. Thomas provides experienced depth as he has only started four of the 33 games he's played in over the last two seasons. He's had 8 1/2 sacks, 12 QB hits and 12 tackles for loss over the last two seasons. He rejoins new Cowboys defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who coached Thomas with the Jets. On the first day of the legal-tampering period, the Cowboys made a couple of additions in free agency. They agreed to deals with RB Javonte Williams and guard Robert Jones. Will Jerry Jones address other needs Tuesday? Stay tuned. Here's the rundown of Dallas' moves: Cowboys roster moves: Agreed to deal w/ RB Javonte WilliamsAgreed to deal w/ OG Robert JonesRe-signed DT Osa OdighizuwaRe-signed C/G Brock HoffmanRe-signed S Markquese BellRe-signed S Juanyeh ThomasRe-signed LS Trent SiegRe-signed DE Tyrus WheatRe-signed ST C.J. Goodwin… — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 11, 2025 Chauncey Golston is staying in the NFC East, with the defensive end signing with the New York Giants, according to The Insiders. What it means: Golston emerged late last season when he got additional opportunities after the Cowboys were hit hard with the injury bug at the position. Golston was selected by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2021 draft. The Cowboys tried Golston at a few different spots along the defensive line but he finally flourished at defensive end. He also served as a core special teams player. The Cowboys are expecting Sam Williams to return from his torn ACL but will need to add depth at the position. GO DEEPER Cowboys free-agency analysis: A CB loss, an RB pickup and still plenty of holes to fill Offensive lineman Robert Jones agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4.75 million with the Dallas Cowboys, according to ESPN. How he fits: The offensive line is an area the Cowboys definitely need to address this offseason after the retirement of nine-time Pro Bowl right guard Zack Martin. Jones started every game last season for the Miami Dolphins at left guard. He'll likely compete for the starting right guard spot with Brock Hoffman and maybe someone Dallas adds in the draft. At the very least, he should provide depth to a position group that needs to improve. Jones signed with Miami as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2021. He has started 30 of the 49 games he's played in over the last four seasons. Jones finished the 2024 season graded as the NFL's 58th-best offensive guard, according to Pro Football Focus. He had similar grades as a pass and run blocker. Javonte Williams and the Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million, according to a league source. Williams, who turns 25 in April, spent his first four NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos. His best season came as a rookie in 2021 when he ran 203 times for 903 yards and four touchdowns. He missed most of 2022 with a knee injury and returned in 2023 to rush for 774 yards (3.6 ypc) and 513 yards (3.7 ypc) last season. He caught 47 and 52 passes out of the backfield the past two seasons. GO DEEPER Cowboys agree to terms with RB Javonte Williams on 1-year deal: Source How he fits: With Dowdle — he ran for a career high 1,079 yards last season — still unsigned, Williams slides in as the top running back. Williams has all of the abilities you look for in a three-down back, but it's fair to wonder how much of it he can still execute after his major knee injury in 2022. Still, Williams turns 25 in April so it would be premature to shut the door on his potential, especially if it comes in a role that's fitting for him. A 1B is likely his ceiling but as long as the Cowboys treat him like a No. 2 back, meaning they find their No. 1 in the draft, Williams can be a solid pickup. Advertisement According to multiple reports, the Jacksonville Jaguars are adding Chuma Edoga. What it means: Edoga was a solid depth piece for the Cowboys, starting 10 games in his two seasons in Dallas. Edoga was able to play tackle or guard, so his versatility gave the Cowboys options when they dealt with offensive line injuries. Keeping Edoga around would have been fine but losing him isn't the end of the world. They believe in their tackles, Tyler Guyton (left) and Terence Steele (right). Tyler Smith is planted as the left guard. Dallas has interior offensive line depth but needs to find a swing tackle to develop. After spending his first eight NFL seasons in Dallas, Lewis will play with another team after agreeing to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple reports. What it means: Losing Lewis is a tough blow to the Cowboys, who drafted the 29-year-old cornerback out of Michigan in the third round in 2017. Lewis returned from a career-threatening injury in 2022 to play at a high level the past two seasons. He became the pillar of consistency in the secondary, as both Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland dealt with their own extended absences due to injuries. Cornerback now becomes an even bigger need this offseason. The Cowboys have Bland, who is going into a contract year and will command a big payday soon, but very little stability otherwise. Diggs' return from his late-season injury last year could stretch throughout training camp and possibly into the early part of the regular season. What it means: Saad Yousuf writes: Odighizuwa's value to the Cowboys is amplified by circumstances. Without Odighizuwa, the Cowboys would have had virtually no semblance of surety at defensive tackle. Two years since he was drafted in the first round, Mazi Smith has been a disappointment, and no other player has emerged to be more than a rotational piece. Odighizuwa is an anchor player, the type of defensive tackle the Cowboys would be trying to get, if they had to replace him. GO DEEPER Cowboys, Osa Odighizuwa agree to 4-year deal, avoid franchise tag (Top photo of Miles Sanders: C. Morgan Engel / Getty Images)
USA Today
06-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
2 free agent successes provide affordable blueprint for Cowboys in 2025
The Dallas Cowboys have many questionable processes when team building. They shy away from top commodities in free agency. They draft high-risk players who bring an abnormal degree of projection. They push veterans out the door without clear replacements in place and they drag their feet with their own fairly obvious contract extensions. As one might imagine, those don't always turn out so well for the Cowboys franchise. But one of Dallas' oft-critiqued processes has been working out for them as of late. Waiting for the market to cool and targeting veteran defensive linemen to team-friendly deals has been a trademark move the Cowboys. They did it with Dante Fowler in 2022 and they did it again with Carl Lawson in 2024. In both instances they received quality snaps from a player who cost them relatively very little. Going this route in roster building doesn't typically provide elite results but it does offer tremendous bang for the buck. It's allowed the Cowboys to maintain a healthy rotation on their defensive line and use the money saved at defensive end on other areas of the team where veteran bargains aren't so easily found. In 2025 the Cowboys will likely try to get Lawson to come back for a second season. He's coming off a five-sack year while contributing 401 snaps on defense. A similar role can be expected under Matt Eberflus if Lawson is willing to accept similar short-term deal with a modest bump from his $1,125,000 rate (per OTC). If Lawson doesn't come back to Dallas, the Cowboys have options to look at in free agency again this season. Matthew Judon, 32, is coming off a tumultuous season. Pro Football Focus estimates his value to be a one year, $4,500,000 deal this offseason. If the Cowboys play it patiently, he may come cheaper. Arizona's underrated DE, Dennis Gardeck, is coming off an early 2024 ACL injury. At 30-years-old he may not strike up very much interest around the league and could possibly be had for half the cost of Judon. Even interior defensive linemen like Teair Tart and Poona Ford could be had for a song this offseason. Tart comes with baggage, but he finished last season as the 12th-highest graded DT and is predicted to cost just $2,500,000 in free agency. Ford is predicted to demand just $3,500,000 and he's coming off a season where he graded as the fifth best DT. It's important the Cowboys invest properly in their frontline starters but rotations at key positions can be built with low-demand veterans who slip through the cracks. Dallas has a track record of success in this area and while the wait may be painful, patience has repeatedly paid off for the Cowboys. Related articles [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]
