Cowboys complete pre-free agency roster rundown
By Tyrone Starr
Quarterbacks
On the roster: Garrett Gilbert ($920K), Ben DiNucci ($804K)
Need: Extremely high*
One last time for those in the back. Prescott will be in the mix, one way or another, hence the asterisk.
Running backs
On the roster: Ezekiel Elliott ($13.7M), Jamize Olawale ($1.75M), Tony Pollard ($1.02M), Rico Dowdle ($783K), Sewo Olonilua ($780K)
Need: None
Any discussion you hear of Elliott not being on the roster this coming year is ludicrous. The Cowboys believe he will bounce back in 2021. So do I. With him and Pollard in tow, there are minimal touches left for anyone else at this position.
Receivers
On the roster: Amari Cooper ($22M), CeeDee Lamb ($3.18M), Michael Gallup ($2.67M), Chris Lacy ($780K), Jon’Vea Johnson ($660K), Aaron Parker ($660K)
Need: None
The Dallas Cowboys “three amigos” dominate other team’s attention and almost all the reps at the spot. Sprinkle in exclusive rights free agent Cedrick Wilson who almost certainly will return and the team has a nice mix of veterans and young stars.
Tight Ends
On the roster: Blake Jarwin ($4.55M), Dalton Schultz ($2.3M), Sean McKeon ($784K), Cole Hikutini ($780K)
Need: Low
Jarwin returns after a season-ending leg injury which really helped Schultz blossom in year three. A third tight end to battle McKeon and Hikutini is likely to arrive but that is a low priority that can even be addressed on day three of the draft.
Offensive Line
On the roster: Zack Martin ($17M), Tyron Smith ($14M), La’el Collins ($12.1M), Connor Williams ($2.96M), Connor McGovern ($1M), Tyler Biadasz ($903K), Brandon Knight ($852K), Adam Redmond ($850K), Eric Smith ($850K), Terence Steele ($783K), Marcus Henry ($780K), Mitch Hyatt ($780K), William Sweet ($660K)
Need: Medium-high
One of the biggest reasons the Dallas Cowboys season fell apart was the absence of Smith and Collins. Much like Elliott, internet pundits have speculated on Dallas parting ways with Smith. Much like Elliott, that’s not happening.
While Knight played decent enough last year to earn the right to compete for the swing tackle spot, Dallas needs to bring in someone to compete with him. Another interior option (*cough* Joe Looney *cough*) should also be entertained.