3 reasons the Cowboys should keep free agent WR Cedrick Wilson

The Dallas Cowboys have 23 players set to hit free agency in March. With many of their key stars about to hit the market, this roster may look very different next year.

One unrestricted free agent on the list is wide receiver Cedrick Wilson. Wilson was a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft going to the Cowboys at 208th overall. The Boise State product is currently on a one-year, $2.1 million contract with Dallas. It’s not easy to be a wide receiver on the Cowboys roster. With their WR trio of Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup, other receivers often get overshadowed.

Wilson, however, did not. He had a career year in only his third season in the NFL. The 26-year-old ended the year with 45 receptions for 602 yards and six touchdowns. Like his teammate Dalton Schultz, Wilson picked the right time to have a breakout season.

With the Cowboys sitting at third-worst in terms of cap space in the NFL, Jerry Jones and his front office are going to have a very hard time with their free agents this offseason. Given that there are some high-profile names on the list, Wilson would be someone the Cowboys should really consider re-signing.

Here are 3 reasons why the Dallas Cowboys SHOULD re-sign free agent WR Cedrick Wilson

3. His Ability to Step Up In A Variety of Situations

As we mentioned, it’s far from easy to be WR No. 4 behind a list of three stellar receivers. But, when Wilson was called upon, he delivered. All three members of the WR Trio spent time on the sidelines this season due to both injuries and COVID. Wilson was there to take everyone’s place and it led to him having a career year.

For example, after Gallup tore his ACL in the Week 17 matchup against the Cardinals, Wilson caught all five of his targets, scored a touchdown, completed a two-point conversion, and threw a pass that night. He was doing it all for Dallas. It’s not easy to replace a guy like Gallup, and Wilson did a great job.

Wilson is the kind of player where whether you need him to return punts, replace one of your starters, or take action in a trick play, he will be there. Versatility is always a plus in any player.

When Wilson played in Game 18, he continued to excel with two touchdowns and 119 receiving yards. Even though you can argue that Wilson may not be worthy of a starting spot if Lamb, Gallup, and Cooper are healthy, having a young gun that you know can step up under pressure in a variety of scenarios is a huge plus.

2. His Price Tag

Compared to his free agent teammate Gallup and the current contract of Cooper, Wilson comes with a much lower price tag. Wilson’s current $2.1 million earnings are only expected to go up to about $6 million a year, according to Spotrac. Gallup’s predicted market value is a much larger $11.8 million per year.

Given the Cowboys’ current cap space struggles, it will be very challenging for them to afford to keep Gallup considering what other teams will be willing to pay for the young receiver. Wilson should not be viewed as a crappy backup. And he has proven that.

Jones can give the young receiver a much smaller contract and still get a player with a ton of potential. If the front office has to let go of some people, Cowboys fans should feel lucky that the Cowboys have such great wide receiver depth. There is a real possibility that the Cowboys choose to part ways with Gallup to free up some space to sign other players, especially with the depth they have.

Keep in mind, the Cowboys still have to pay Cooper $20 million next season. Jones and his family will be crunching a lot of numbers to see who they can keep on this roster next year. Considering Wilson had a stellar year, they should see this free agent as a bargain. And if they don’t, another team certainly will.

1. His Potential & His Age

After sitting out his rookie season in 2018 with a shoulder injury, Wilson has clearly become a “super-sub” in his fourth year with the Cowboys. The 26-year-old has steadily improved in every season that he has played. Even with only 61 targets and four games started, Wilson quickly showed that he was worthy of a roster spot.

If he showed promise with only 61 targets, imagine the potential this young receiver has. As a fourth receiver, he ended this season with career-high stats across the board: 45 catches for 602 yards, 6 touchdowns, 36 yards in punt returns, and went 3-for-3 passing on gadget plays. Sure. He did make a questionable toss in the Wild Card game, but thankfully that didn’t affect his current perfect passer rating.

Perhaps the most shocking part about Wilson’s rise to success is that he caught 73.8% of his targets. That puts him above big names like Adam Thielen and Davante Adams. Plus, at only 26 and with so few snaps played, it seems like Wilson’s best years are ahead of him. He has the innate skill and talent to help any roster.

Plus, Wilson has been quoted to say that he sees Dallas as his home. Many money-hungry players will flock to whoever gives them the most cash. And while Wilson does deserve a pay raise, it seems he wants to make his money with the Cowboys. There’s also comfort in knowing that he has experience, rhythm, and reps with QB Dak Prescott

Dallas’ WR Trio is full of young and exciting talent, but why get rid of Wilson to likely land on someone older and more worn down for the same price? We understand that the receiver likely won’t be a priority this offseason, but if Dallas chooses to get rid of someone like Gallup or Cooper to free up cap space, having Wilson on the roster is far from a bad thing. He’s proven that with his 2021 stats.

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