Dallas Cowboys 2019 free agency primer: Tight End

The draft vs. the free agent pool

With three guys on the roster all 25 years old or younger, drafting seems a bit redundant. Even though this upcoming draft class is deep at the tight end position, a fourth youngster seems a bit overkill.

That is, unless the Cowboys finally move on from Gathers, which is a strong possibility as it would add about $15K to the dead money list.

Looking at the free agent list, there are a few intriguing names.

If he could ever stay healthy, Tyler Eifert might be the exact type of guy this team needs. The problem is, of course, his inability to be available. With just 14 games played in the last three years, anything beyond a veteran minimum or heavily incentive-laden deal is a non-starter.

The other option might be a super reliable veteran like Jared Cook. In four of the past six years, Cook has eclipsed 50+ receptions and 600+ yards receiving.

While some might look at bringing in an “old head” (he’ll be 32 when OTA’s start) as a progress stopper, others (myself included) would look at the addition as a needed leader in the tight end room.

If he would take another one-year deal for $3M or less like he did to join the Packers in 2016, it would absolutely be worth it. Otherwise, there is one other option for the Dallas Cowboys.