The Dallas Cowboys need a new offensive coordinator. Nobody thought it would get to this point, but with Mike McCarthy likely coaching for his job in 2023, and the offense looking overwhelmed in the last two playoff losses to San Francisco, the Cowboys and Moore “mutually parted ways” over the weekend.
Less than 24 hours later, Moore was hired as the Chargers offensive coordinator. How quick that transpired either underlines the mistake Dallas is making, or that Moore might’ve actually wanted to pursue a new opportunity.
While everyone is concerned about whom Dallas will appoint as Moore’s replacement, it’s flying under the radar that the former offensive coordinator could attract some Cowboys free agents to play for the Bolts on the west coast.
Here are three players we’d hate to see join Moore in Los Angeles.
3 Cowboys free agents who could follow Kellen Moore to Chargers
3. Dalton Schultz, TE
Schultz is seemingly as good as gone this offseason after he played under the franchise tag in 2022. The Cowboys could tag him again, or sign him to an extension, but the performance of rookies Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot allows the front office some wiggle room to let the 26-year-old walk.
As of this writing, the Chargers can’t afford to bring Schultz in. According to Spotrac, Los Angeles is expected to be $19.792 million over the cap.
Only six teams are worse off financial than Moore’s new squad, so they’d have to do some serious soul-searching to be able to afford Schultz at his desired price tag. That could fall anywhere between $12-14 annually, but it will undoubtedly be higher than $10 million.
The idea of Schultz catching passes from Justin Herbert is enough to make Cowboys fans nauseous. The tight end flourished in Kellen Moore’s system, and his production could increase playing with a more naturally gifted quarterback in Hebert compared to Dak Prescott.
Since it’s so unlikely, though, Schultz is No. 3 on this list.
2. Noah Brown, WR
Brown had a breakout season in 2022, and the Cowboys really needed it with Michael Gallup inactive the first four games and struggling to make an impact after he returned.
Over the first four weeks, Brown hauled in 18 catches for 274 yards and one touchdown. The former fifth-round pick starred in Dallas’ win over the Bengals in Week 2 with Cooper Rush under center. He also posted 85 yards in a win over Houston, and racked up two touchdowns in the overtime loss to the Jaguars.
On top of making notable strides as a receiver, Brown is an awesome run-blocker for a receiver. The Chargers’ running game was non-existent this season, and Moore could put in a good word with Los Angeles’ front office for Brown to come in and help transform the attack led by Austin Ekeler.
Not to mention, wideouts DeAndre Carter and Jaylen Guyton are both free agents, and Keenan Allen will turn 31 in April. Brown won’t be dirt-cheap, but he should fit within the Chargers’ spending budget this offseason.
1. Cooper Rush
Cooper Rush is a free agent, and the Chargers are in the market for a backup quarterback with Chase Daniel likely headed for retirement. Additionally, 2020 fifth-round selection Easton Stick failed to establish himself as the backup over Daniel, so all signs point to LA letting the Omaha native walk.
Pretty easy to connect the dots, right?
We wouldn’t rule out the Chargers taking a quarterback with a mid-to-late round pick to add an affordable option for the next four years, but Rush is an established game manager who’s proven he can win if surrounded by talent.
In 2022, Rush went 4-1 starting in place of Dak Prescott. He only completed 58% of his passes and averaged 116.8 passing yards per game in those starts, but he wasn’t asked to do much with Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott stepping up as the focal points of the offense.
By no means is Herbert an injury prone quarterback, but he’s taken some massive hits over the years behind LA’s offensive line, and probably should’ve missed at least two weeks with a fractured rib cartilage this season.
Couldn’t hurt to bring in Rush, who is firmly established as one of the league’s better backup quarterbacks after 2022.
Pros and cons of Cowboys firing Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator
Cowboys fans don't know what to make of Dallas' decision to fire offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Here are some pros and cons of letting Moore go.