Much to the surprise of Dallas Cowboys fans, the team went made moves that still aligned with their ideals about cost vs production and made the roster better on both sides of the ball.
With OTAs officially underway, the coaching staff can be hands on with their players as they begin cultivating the roster. For as much work as the Cowboys' front office has done so far, though, they are still a pickup or two away from making this offseason a full-blown success.
Dallas has one main hole on the roster to fill along with depth issues at certain positions, but we know this team is always looking to build its roster. With teams around the league doing the same, there will most certainly be players that will be released over the next several weeks.
While more trades are in the realm of possibility, let's focus on some kickers who could get released in the coming weeks and step in and start for Dallas.
3 kickers who could get released the Cowboys should monitor
3. Nick Folk
Last season proved that the Cowboys aren't afraid to bring back a kicker that in the past hasn't had the best track record with the team. Brett Maher was a pleasant surprise, but his kicking issues late in the season sealed his fate.
If the team is looking for another veteran that they have experience with then Nick Folk could be a player to keep an eye on.
The Patriots drafted a kicker this year and while it doesn't mean he will make the roster, the team has more incentive to see him make the roster after spending draft capital on one. That leaves Folk as the odd man out and possibly in search of a new team.
By converting 4-of-5 field goals from 50 or more yards last season, Folk showed he still has a big leg. The only issue that may come into play is Folk's inability to induce touchbacks (he registered just three in 2022). Still, he could be a last resort
He has shown he still has a big leg converting 4-5 50+ yard field goals, something Dallas like to do, the only issue that may come into play for Folk is his inability to get touchbacks registering just three last season. Folk could be a last resort if they desperately need a kicker.
2. Cairo Santos
Cairo Santos is in a similar situation as Folk with the only difference being the Bears signed an undrafted free-agent kicker instead of drafting one. That won't stop the team from keeping who they believe the better option is and oftentimes the younger legs win out. That would leave Santos looking for a new team and he might just be a perfect fit for the Cowboys.
The current flavor of the day for Dallas fans at kicker is Robbie Gould, and while he's a great kicker in this league he doesn't have the big leg he use to. Santos, on the other hand, does and is effective when called upon to use it, converting 4-of-5 kicks from 50 or more yards just like Folk.
What stands out about Santos and makes him the better option, though, is his high touchback percentage. Last season, it stood at 57.1%, while Folk checked in at 9.1%. Santos is clearly the better option and one Dallas needs sto keep an eye on.
1. Zane Gonzalez
We have yet another kicking battle in the NFL, this time in San Fransico with veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez going up against Michigan standout Jake Moody, whom the 49ers drafted in the third round with one of their few picks.
Gonzalez is yet another veteran battling a younger kicker his current team drafted or prioritized as an undrafted free agent. This could make Gonzalez more of a camp stash for competition purposes, which makes him a valuable commodity once (if) he's released.
In the event Gonzalez is cut, Dallas would be smart to try him out. He's been on now four different teams and made a career-high 90.6% of his field goal attempts last season in 12 games with the Panthers. He made a 57-yarder and posted a touchback percentage of 63.6%.
Simply put, Gonzalez would be a nice addition for the Cowboys who need to figure out this kicking situation quickly.