Dallas Cowboys: Early glance at 2019 free agent decisions
By Brad Austin
The Dallas Cowboys will begin the 2019 offseason with much more salary cap space than usual. The list of key free agents will also increase.
The start of 2019 free agency will likely find the Dallas Cowboys at least $40 million under the salary cap. After years scraping for cash, their coffers will appear stacked.
Before getting jazzed over the potential for blockbuster signings, it’s important to see the lengthy list of unsecured key players and valuable back-ups.
Let’s jump right in and assess 2019 free agency damage and the looming decisions.
QUARTERBACK
DAK PRESCOTT (signed through 2019)
Analysis: Dak Prescott won’t be a free agent until 2020, but locking him up early may become a high priority. With a return to the impressive play of 2016, it’s almost certain Dallas will extend their franchise passer. If he removes doubt, waiting another year for QB salaries to increase would be foolish. There’s a chance he may struggle again, but an early extension seems likely.
RUNNING BACK
ROD SMITH, JAMIZE OLAWALE (FB)
Analysis: Ezekiel Elliott‘s primary back-up and lead blocker will both hit the market. Rod Smith likely won’t receive enough significant carries to elevate his price very high. He’ll also be eager to stay in Dallas with his brother Jaylon Smith. Jamize Olawale will have to prove his worth this season but a re-sign (if desired) shouldn’t be costly. In 2017, Dallas used fullback Keith Smith on less than 10% of offensive snaps.
TIGHT END
GEOFF SWAIM
Analysis: It’s doubtful Geoff Swaim will produce more than mild receiving numbers. His calling card as primarily a blocker should keep re-signing options reasonable.
WIDE RECEIVER
COLE BEASLEY, DEONTE THOMPSON, TAVON AUSTIN
Analysis: If Cole Beasley exceeds 500 receiving yards, he’ll likely be priced out of Dallas’ comfort zone for a slot receiver. However, if he repeats in the 300-500 yards range a return could happen. With all the new blood at receiver it still seems unlikely.
It’s hard to gauge the future worth of Tavon Austin or Deonte Thompson without knowing how they’ll fit in or produce in the Cowboys offense. Either could provide unique fireworks just as easy as failing to significantly move the needle.
OFFENSIVE LINE
CAMERON FLEMING, MARCUS MARTIN, CHAZ GREEN
Analysis: Marcus Martin and Cameron Fleming will serve as high value depth in 2018. Both being former starters, surely they’ll sign elsewhere to again compete for a starting role. As for Chaz Green, his market value will be cheap, but it’s likely either Dallas won’t want him or he’ll prefer a fresh start elsewhere. Expect a lot of depth turnover up front.
DEFENSIVE LINE
DEMARCUS LAWRENCE, DAVID IRVING, KONY EALY
Analysis: DeMarcus Lawrence must prove he can stay healthy and produce at a high level one more season. At least 14 starts and 10+ sacks will land a lengthy extension. The sack mark sounds light until browsing 2017 sack leaders to see the caliber of rushers hovering around that number. 30 starts and 24.5 sacks over his last two seasons qualifies as a dependable War Daddy worthy of a big contract.
David Irving is the polar opposite after beginning a second straight season with a 4-game suspension. No trust equals no significant, multi-year investment. With double digit sacks he may be offered another one-year ‘prove it’ deal. Anything longer is a non-starter with his history in Dallas.
Kony Ealy has yet to take a snap in Dallas and competition at end is stocked with younger, cheaper options. He’ll need to prove capable of replacing Crawford causing Dallas to release him early. Then they could apply those savings to an Ealy extension.
Next: Dallas Cowboys - 5 Best Free Agent Signings Of All Time
LINEBACKER
DAMIEN WILSON
Analysis: Dallas will return both starting veterans Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith, along with experienced back-up Joe Thomas. The pair of 2018 draft picks will also be back. Damien Wilson will likely be replaced by a mid to late round 2019 draft selection.