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Predicting which of the Cowboys 2023 free agents will stay or go

By Randy Gurzi

Sep 27, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz (86) in action during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz (86) in action during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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In recent years, the Dallas Cowboys have done a great job in the NFL Draft, which has filled their roster with plenty of talented players. The only downside to continually drafting well is the need to figure out which players should be retained and who has to be allowed to hit the open market.

Dallas has been able to lock up their key players such as Dak Prescott and DeMarcus Lawrence but they’re predicted to be just over $5.5 million above the salary cap in 2023 which means they will have to do some work in order to retain any of their pending free agents next year.

But which free agents will they try and keep, and who will walk? Let’s take a look by position group.

Stay or go: Predicting what will happen with the Cowboys’ 2023 free agents

Cowboys
Oct 31, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) and guard Connor Williams (52) in action against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

The Quarterbacks

Cooper Rush

Cooper Rush was added as an undrafted free agent in 2017 out of Central Michigan, and for a brief moment, he joined the New York Giants where he followed former head coach Jason Garrett who had taken the offensive coordinator job in New York.

It’s easy to see why Garrett liked Rush because he was a calm, confident passer who might — or might not — be related to him.

https://twitter.com/TommySledge/status/858792281024991233?s=20&t=C5znEOgjXM0kjSHUH7SY-A

Rush ended up returning to Dallas and in 2021, he became the No. 2 quarterback. He entered the season with three career passes but then became a folk hero when he threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winner, against Minnesota in Week 7.

Dallas and Rush seem to work well together and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him stick around a bit longer.

Prediction: Stays on a one-year deal

Will Grier

Behind Rush is Will Grier, a former third-round pick for Carolina. He has yet to make an appearance in Dallas since he was claimed after the preseason in 2021. This year, the exhibition games will be huge for him to prove he belongs, but he will have a long way to go in order to unseat Rush.

Prediction: Leaves in free agency

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