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

Tarell Basham, EDGE

Looking for some depth on the edge, Dallas signed Tarell Basham in 2021 to a two-year deal. He ended up providing them exactly what they wanted, which was a defensive end capable of bringing the heat as a rotational pass rusher while having the ability to start in a pinch.

Basham played in all 17 games and recorded six starts. He finished with 39 tackles and 3.5 sacks. His role could be limited this year with the addition of Sam Williams in the draft which means his exit is likely around the corner.

Prediction: Leaves in free agency

Dante Fowler, Jr., EDGE

Coming out of Florida in 2015, Dante Fowler was expected to develop into a star in the NFL. He was taken third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars but didn’t get to see any action until 2016 after he tore his ACL on the first day of mini-camp.

He did return and had 12 sacks in his first two seasons before the Jags traded him to the Los Angeles Rams in the middle of 2018. Fowler had a breakout campaign the following year, recording 58 tackles and 11.5 sacks.

This led to him signing with Dan Quinn and the Atlanta Falcons, but he didn’t return to the form we saw in L.A. Instead, he had just 7.5 sacks in two seasons before being released. Quinn, however, remained a fan which was one of the reasons he landed in Dallas. Now, the question is whether or not he can turn this opportunity into a great comeback story.

The prediction for Fowler is that he doesn’t become a double-digit sack guy but proves to be a valuable player who can continue to be a factor in their rotation. Because of that, he signs a fair contract that both sides can live with, keeping him with the Cowboys for two more seasons.

Prediction: Agrees to a two-year extension