3 free agents the Cowboys must sign to fix their glaring roster holes

Two weeks into the NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys have more questions than answers as they prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens. From dominating the Browns to laying an egg at home against the Saints, the team looked almost night and day in its first two games. One of the most pressing issues is the fact this team did next to nothing this offseason to improve this roster.

The Cowboys only got truly active in free agency when training camp started, when Jerry Jones realized he needed to get some help at defensive tackle and running back. That might have been a better idea when the offseason began in March.

While the salary cap and new contracts for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb put a ceiling on what the front office could spend, Dallas should have been more aggressive. Even though we are two weeks into the regular season, there are still some notable players available that Dallas should look at bringing in.

3 free agents the Cowboys must sign to help their roster

3. OT D.J. Humphries

D.J. Humphries still being available is a bit of a surprise. The former Arizona Cardinal was drafted in 2015 and has had a steady career as one of the mainstays on their offensive line. However, injuries began to take their toll beginning in 2017 and 2018. He only appeared in 16 games during those two seasons.

Humphries got his career back on track for the next three years and even earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. The road ran out for him after another injury-plagued season in 2022 and after 2023 the Cardinals began rebuilding as Humphries was released. With Chuma Edgoa suffering a toe injury in the preseason, Dallas' offensive line depth is thin.

Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe looked like they were ready for the challenge of being staters in Week 1, but against the Saints both committed penalties and Prescott was sacked three times. Edgoa was brought back on a one-year deal to help keep some veteran presence on an offensive line going through a youth movement. With him out for the foreseeable future, Dallas could use another veteran to help mentor their two rookies.

Guyton could definitely benefit from having someone like Humphries on the team. He has spent most of his career at left tackle protecting quarterbacks such as Carson Palmer and Kyler Murray. If Jerry Jones wants to ensure his offensive line can still function should another injury happen, bringing in Humphries would be a good idea.

2. WR Corey Davis

The Cowboys' front office made some mistakes this offseason when it came to making decisions on personnel. Trusting the young receivers was one of them. With Jake Ferguson dealing with a knee injury, the offense looks like they will be reverting back to their old ways of everything being centered around CeeDee Lamb. Teams will continue to pick that up and zero in on him. A veteran like Corey Davis could really help take some of that pressure off.

Davis was a consistent playmaker early in his career with the Titans. While he might not have been the number one target, he did improve every year. His peak came in 2020 when he logged 900 yards receiving and five touchdowns. His performance helped Tennessee make the playoffs before they lost in the Wild Card Round to Baltimore.

Davis only scored six touchdowns with the Jets between 2021 and 2022 before he abruptly retired before the 2023 season. In March the Jets officially released him. The offseason for Davis has been quiet. He tried out with the Bills after an injury to Chase Claypool, but nothing came of it. While many speculate this is the end for him, Davis is still young enough to attempt a comeback.

With Brandin Cooks being the only other veteran receiver with experience on this team, Dallas could use another one to help take some attention off Lamb. Davis looks like the best free agent veteran receiver still on the market. If Jones wants to help this offense get better at receiver, signing Davis would help.

1. CB Patrick Peterson

Patrick Peterson is still out there and surprisingly has not announced his retirement. After spending most of his time with Arizona then moving on to Minnesota, he spent last year with the Steelers. He signed a two-year deal last offseason, but the team decided to release him. Since then the offseason news surrounding Peterson has been quiet.

The Cowboys could use some veteran help at corner. DaRon Bland is still expected to miss the next several games. Caelen Carson looked solid in his rookie debut against the Browns, but struggled against the Saints. With the defense set to face some of the best quarterbacks in the league in the coming weeks including Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, help in the secondary could help a lot.

At this stage of his career, Peterson is more of a mentor than superstar. He has not made a Pro Bowl since 2018 but still might have some gas left in the tank. Two years ago with the Vikings, he had five interceptions, the second-most of his career. Not bringing back Stephon Gilmore appears to be a costly move right now and a cheaper Peterson could fix that problem if brought in.

More Cowboys news and analysis