The Dallas Cowboys were not busy in the opening week of free agency. While they signed linebacker Eric Kendricks to lead Mike Zimmer's defense and re-signed Jourdan Lewis to maintain continuity in the secondary, they also lost a number of quality players, chief among them being left tackle Tyron Smith.
While Smith is a monstrous loss, fans shouldn't overlook the departures of pass rushers Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler and center Tyler Biadasz. Even the exit of former third-round pick Neville Gallimore shined a bigger spotlight on the Cowboys' lackluster defensive tackle room.
That isn't to say Dallas should have kept every free agent, however. When we look back on this offseason, the front office might look smart for allowing a mass exodus. With that in mind, here are some now-former Cowboys who won't live up to their new contracts.
3. RB Tony Pollard
Cowboys fans were sad to see Tony Pollard leave, which was odd because of how many folks were ready to move on after the 2023 season. However, after reports indicated Pollard would take a discount to return to Dallas and that he wouldn't have a sizable market, the fan base underwent a change of heart.
Pollard ultimately did extremely well for himself. Not only did he return home to Tennessee (he was born and raised in Memphis, TN), but he got a three-year, $21 million contract to boot. He secured $10.49 million in guarantees, which is slightly more than the franchise tag he played under last year. There's a potential out in the third year that would make the contract worth $14.5 million over two years.
While $7 million per year is a fair price for Pollard, we're not sure he's set up for success in Tennessee. He's clearly best suited in a change-of-pace role, but the Titans don't currently have a power runner after losing Derrick Henry. Not to mention, they had arguably the worst OL play in the league in 2023.
While 2023 third-round pick Tyjae Spears showed oodles of promise as a rookie, his game is built more on speed than bruteness. In fact, he has a smaller frame than Pollard. Spears is 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, while Pollard is 6-foot and 209 pounds, per Pro Football Reference.
While the Titans got Pollard at a good price, we're concerned he'll run into the same problems he had in his last season in Dallas.
2. C Tyler Biadasz
It was learned at the NFL Combine that Biadasz would have too strong of a market for Dallas to re-sign him. That wasn't entirely surprising. While the Cowboys have great respect for Biadasz, the upcoming draft allows them to find an upgrade while getting cheaper. A lot cheaper, actually.
As Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters attempt to rebuild the Commanders' offensive line, they overpaid for Biadasz. The official terms of Biadasz's contract are three years for $29.25 million, including $20.7 million guaranteed. There isn't a Cowboys fan out there that would argue he's worth that much.
Biadasz's guarantees are the seventh most amongst centers and his $9.75 million annual salary is eight-highest and more than David Andrews, Mitch Morse and Andre James. His guarantees are more than now-former Eagle Jason Kelce's one-year deal, Ethan Pocic and Garrett Bradbury.
With all due respect to Biadasz, he's no a top-10 center in the league. He clearly benefitted from a bloated salary cap and a lowly center market. He certainly isn't a turnstile, but his struggles against beefy defensive lineman leaves us questioning if he'll live up to his Commanders contract.
1. DE Dorance Armstrong
It was never expected that the Cowboys would retain Dorance Armstrong. While they did well to re-sign Armstrong two years ago, his stock has skyrocketed since then. Over the last three seasons, Armstrong accumulated 21 sacks, 109 pressures, 40 QB hits, 20 tackles for loss and 64 defensive stops against the run.
The production saw Armstrong score big on the open market. Signed by Dan Quinn to rejuvenate Washington's pass rush, Armstrong inked a three-year, $33 million contract. The deal has a max value of $45 million (!) and $22 million fully guaranteed.
While Armstrong is seemingly hitting his prime and could shine in a featured role, those terms, including his $11 million yearly salary, feel a bit rich. He's now in the range of established pass rushers like Matt Judon, Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Leonard Floyd.
Even Armstrong's most ardent supporters would admit that's a big leap. It's one thing to be productive as a rotation player. It'll help playing alongside DTs Jonathan Allen and DaRon Payne, but time will tell if Armstrong is ready to be the kernel of a pass-rushing unit.