Jason Garrett reveals the Dallas Cowboys offseason strategy

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett explains the team’s offseason additions and decisions as he attempts to return to playoff contention in 2018.

This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys chose to stay relatively quiet in free agency. But unlike past years, this time it wasn’t by choice. After failed attempts to acquire splashy free agents like wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Allen Robinson, the Cowboys settled back in to their more traditional approach to free agency.

Dallas added a group of veterans to their roster, many of whom could certainly fill a starting role if needed, but whose price tag didn’t break the proverbial bank.

Here are the Cowboys offseason moves so far …

Free Agency Adds

Cameron Fleming, OT
Marcus Martin, G
Allen Hurns, WR
Deonte Thompson, WR
Kony Ealy, DE
Joe Thomas, LB
Brett Maher, K/P
Scott Daly, LS

Free Agency Losses

Brice Butler, WR
Bene Benwikere, CB
Jonathan Cooper, G
Anthony Hitchens, LB
Orlando Scandrick, CB
Keith Smith, FB

Acquired via Trade

Jamize Olawale, FB

Re-signed

David Irving, DT
L.P. Ladouceur, LS
Joe Looney, OL
Brian Price, DT
DeMarcus Lawrence, DE (franchise tag)

The fact the Cowboys didn’t make any splashy signings in the offseason isn’t a big surprise. What does seem different is the fact Dallas’ front office is making moves with the specific idea of creating much more competition across their roster.

"“One of the things we try to do with our team is promote competition at every position,” revealed head coach Jason Garrett to Pro Football Talk. “That really is the reason for the decisions that we made in the offseason, to create a competitive environment at every position across the position. We feel like that brings out the best in everybody.”"

Perhaps no one move has created a sense of urgency and competition along the Cowboys’ roster than the recent release of veteran wide receiver Dez Bryant. After eight years, Bryant was essentially fired after posting three-straight underperforming seasons while being paid like one of the NFL’s top wide outs.

With Bryant gone, Hurns, Thompson, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Ryan Switzer, Noah Brown and Lance Lenior all figure to be vying for a much-more important role this upcoming season. Similar additions to their other positional groups seem like they could create a highly competitive atmosphere team-wide this offseason.

Next: Dallas Cowboys - 5 Best Free Agent Signings Of All Time

In theory, football should be a meritocracy. But as we all know, some positions are simply set in stone. Outside of those cemented veterans, the Dallas Cowboys are certainly hoping players step up and compete for their jobs in 2018.

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