3 moves the Cowboys can make to salvage their offseason

The NFL’s offseason may not be fully over yet, but it’s pretty safe to say this offseason has already been one of the worst in recent memory for Dallas Cowboys fans. Following a crushing playoff exit, the Cowboys have failed to retain, and at times have seemingly given away, some of their most impactful players. Off the field, this offseason has also been riddled with controversy and scandal at the highest levels of the organization.

Let’s be honest. Is it possible to feel any worse about a team that won 12 games and their division just four months ago? Given the moves that Dallas has been making (and not making), you could be forgiven if you almost thought they were trying to tank next season.

It’s easy to see why many fans have felt so pessimistic about this offseason, and the specter of a Cowboys team poised to take a step back looms large. With that in mind, here are three moves that the Cowboys can make to help them salvage their offseason.

3 things the Cowboys front office can do to salvage an otherwise dismal offseason

1. Acquire Another Veteran Pass Rusher

Losing Randy Gregory was downright brutal for the Cowboys. Worse than that, the way it happened was embarrassing and inexcusable. On the field, his departure opens a big void in Dan Quinn’s defense that the team needs to fill quickly and efficiently.

They had an opportunity to address Gregory’s loss earlier this offseason when Von Miller, a former Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl 50 MVP, was still on the market. However, Dallas failed to pull the trigger on a deal and Miller ended up signing with the Buffalo Bills. It was a big opportunity that even Cowboys legend, and Miller’s former teammate in Denver, DeMarcus Ware, wanted them to seize.

Instead, they opted to bring back Dorance Armstrong Jr. and sign former Atlanta Falcon Dante Fowler. At this point in his career, Fowler is a solid player who has familiarity with Quinn dating back to their time in Atlanta. But, it’s safe to say that he isn’t Randy Gregory or Von Miller. The Cowboys still need to find another edge rusher.

Jadaveon Clowney is one of the few remaining big names still on the market. However, I am not sure he’d actually be the best fit in Dallas. Clowney is a talented player, and I can see him getting a nice deal for himself. The issue is that it’s likely one that prices America’s Team out of his market.

Jason Pierre-Paul could make a lot of sense for the Cowboys as a defender

One player who might fit what Dallas is looking for could be Jason Pierre-Paul. Cowboys fans should be very familiar with JPP, as he played eight years with their NFC East rival New York Giants. At 33, Pierre-Paul is entering the twilight of his career and is coming off a down year where he notched just two and a half sacks. However, he was a Pro Bowler as recently as two seasons ago and has shown he can still be effective when healthy.

Pierre-Paul has 91.5 career sacks to his name, and he could look to get a few more under his belt in Dallas. Better yet, JPP could probably be signed on an affordable, one-year deal that’s ultimately a bargain for Dallas. Dallas loves shopping in the free agency bargain bin and Pierre-Paul could be someone who brings value, competency, and experience to the team.