Dallas Cowboys 2019 free agency primer: Offensive Line
By Tyrone Starr
In the fifth installment of my free agency primer series, we will complete the Dallas Cowboys offense inspecting what might be done to the offensive line.
Over the past several weeks, I have dissected each position on the Dallas Cowboys offense to see how they might boost the roster via free agency. Today, we will complete the Dallas Cowboys offense by focusing on the guys in the trenches.
A few years ago, the Cowboys offensive line was widely considered the best in the NFL. Since then, injuries, free agency and some drop off in play has put that distinction in question. Should the Cowboys look at bolstering depth and talent via free agency? Let’s take a look at the depth chart and who is available.
The depth chart
La’el Collins signed through 2019
Connor Williams signed through 2021
Travis Frederick signed through 2023
Zack Martin signed through 2024
Tyron Smith signed through 2023
Joe Looney signed through 2019
Xavier Su’a-Filo signed through 2019
Parker Ehinger signed through 2019
Adam Redmond signed through 2019
Dustin Stanton signed through 2019
Korren Kirven signed through 2019
Cody Wichmann signed through 2020
Jacob Campos signed through 2020
2019 notable free agent tight ends
Jared Veldheer
Garry Gilliam
Cameron Fleming
Cedric Ogbuehi
Donovan Smith
Marshall Newhouse
Jake Fisher
Joe Barksdale
Greg Robinson
J’Marcus Webb
Looking at the depth chart, the Cowboys appear to have a solid starting unit. Center Travis Frederick should return from his 2018 absence due to a diagnosis of Guillain–Barré syndrome. Last year’s starter, Joe Looney, could slide over to guard or be the swing interior back-up.
In fact, the Cowboys true depth is in the interior with Looney, Ehinger, Su’a-Filo and Redmond all capable back-ups. Where the Dallas Cowboys may have issues is at depth on the perimeter of their line.
All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith has missed three games, each of the past three years. Last year, the Cowboys won all three games he missed. The year prior, his absence was a huge reason why the missed the playoffs.
That success in 2018 puts the spotlight on previous Cowboys tackle turned free agent Cameron Fleming. With a solid performance in a backup role, it is completely plausible to think some team may be able to offer him more money for a starting spot.
If so, you can remove him from consideration. Speaking of removing players from consideration, the free agent list above is strictly tackles due to the Cowboys need.
Even if Fleming does not return, there are still a few good players available to choose from. Given where the Cowboys are as contenders in the NFC, it’s hard to see them trying to fill the void of swing tackle with a rookie draft selection.
Ogbuehi, Fisher and Robinson are all former first round selections who have underperformed but may thrive with a change of scenery or reduced role. Gilliam, Newhouse and Barksdale may be interesting veteran acquisitions. The three have combined to start more than 180 games in their respective NFL careers.
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If the Cowboys can get any of the three savvy veterans for the minimum or slightly more, I believe they would have to make that move. If not, they should turn their attentions to one of the reclamation projects. Either way, I would expect the Dallas Cowboys to address the backup/swing tackle spot with a free agent signing.