Breaking down Cowboys’ remaining options in Week 2 of free agency

Remember just about two weeks ago when we all assumed the Dallas Cowboys were going to be unable to make any big signings because they started the offseason at third-worst in terms of cap space? When big moves and cuts had to be made to fix the team being $21 million over the cap? Well, after all that has transpired in the first two weeks of free agency, that is no longer an issue. According to Over The Cap, the Cowboys now have $17.8 million to spend. So, why hasn’t the front office done anything but dish out frugal extensions and one-year deals to in-house people?

Cowboys fans have watched Von Miller, Za’Darius Smith, and many other free agents who would fill gaps on the Dallas roster come and go in free agency. Jerry and Stephen Jones are sticking to the bargain bin and extensions. However, there are still some free agents available who should be catching the front office’s attention.

The Cowboys Wire put together a list of ten free agents at a variety of price points who could still help boost the roster in 2022. Unsurprisingly, some of these names have already signed elsewhere. But we wanted to take a look at a few who the Cowboys could still go after.

5 NFL free agents left on the board that the Cowboys should still consider

Trai Turner, G, Pittsburgh Steelers

With the exit of Connor Williams and La’el Collins, the Cowboys’ offensive line needs a ton of help. Pittsburgh Steelers guard Trai Turner could help replace Williams. The eight-year veteran and five-time Pro Bowler is 28 years old and still has a lot of life ahead of him. At his age, he likely wouldn’t be as expensive as other offensive linemen and he is one of few left on the board.

Quinton Spain, G, Cincinnati Bengals

Is Quinton Spain a top offensive lineman in the league? No. In fact, the Bengals OL was their biggest issue in the Super Bowl. But when you need to fill a gap, you have to find someone. PFF predicted that Spain would get about $4 million which isn’t that much for a starting offensive lineman. If the Cowboys are planning to address other positions in the draft, they may need Spain. Plus it’ll feel good to take something from them after they took Collins.

Calais Campbell, DE, Baltimore Ravens

The reason Calais Campbell is still unsigned is likely because he’s 35 years old. However, in his lengthy NFL career, he’s made six Pro Bowl rosters and the HOF All-2010s team. His double-digit sack seasons may be behind him, but Campbell still started in 14 games last season for the Ravens. While he isn’t as good as Gregory, he is still an effective pass rusher who could bring veteran experience to Dan Quinn’s squad. It’s not like the Joneses have made any flashy moves so far.

Bobby Wagner, LB, Seattle Seahawks

The conversation around securing Bobby Wagner has been incredibly back and forth. At first, the Cowboys were said to be making a heavy push for the Seahawk given his relationship with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Then, the story was there’s no way it’s happening. Then, Cowboys reporter Clarence Hill Jr. tweeted this out on Tuesday making us think it could be a possibility again? It’s a bit odd that a guy who has made the Pro Bowl for the last eight years in a row is still on the board. Despite the lackluster signing of Leighton Vander Esch, Wagner is still needed and would be a huge upgrade.

Danielle Hunter, DE, Minnesota Vikings

Now that Za’Darius Smith was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings, it’s likely that Danielle Hunter is on the trading block. In his six years in the NFL, Hunter has three seasons with 12.5 sacks or more. He is a 2x Pro Bowler who would be an upgrade from Gregory. The Viking has a two-year $26 million deal that the Cowboys would need to restructure to lessen the cap hit, but $13 million a year for a serious upgrade from Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler doesn’t seem that terrible. But the Vikings have to be willing to let him go.