5 things the Cowboys must do to get back into contention after playoff failure

4. Get back in the trade or free agency market

In the NFL, big trades are rarely made except when a team is out here throwing hefty amount picks to another in exchange for a veteran quarterback. In most other instances, teams trade their future in hopes of snagging a "franchise-changer" in the top of that specific years' draft. However a good trade can change the dynamic of a team and Dallas can use that right now. So Jerry, get on those phones and start talking as soon as your allowed to!

Trading for a running back might not be a need anymore as if they are going to boost that running back room it would be from either signing a free-agent like listed earlier or taking a flier on draft day. Adding a free agent running back would be easier. Also Dallas is known to always want a solid wide receiver room so you can expect them to address this area in some way soon.

On defense, the Cowboys have had luck with signing good veteran defensive players (Malik Hooker and Stephon Gilmore in the last three years) in recent years, the team can do this route again.

Addressing the holes at their linebacker depth or front four would help tremendously too. Luckily there are a few quality unrestricted free agent defensive lineman available. Names like Marcus Davenport, Brian Burns, Christian Wilkins among others come to mind who Dallas can benefit signing to bulk up their front four. At linebacker Josh Allen and Cody Barton are two targets who could really benefit while not breaking the bank in the process.

If they happen to lose Gilmore and even guys like JayRon Kearse, names like Adoree Jackson, Kendall Fuller and others seem like fine replacements at a decent price.