The Dallas Cowboys have done their due diligence on various position groups at the NFL Combine, including quarterback if you can believe it.
However, they have seemingly devoted more resources to defensive linemen than any other position. That speaks volumes given they are deep in negotiations with impending free agent Osa Odighizuwa, who led all interior defenders in QB hits last season.
The Cowboys are reportedly "optimistic" a deal with Odighizuwa will come together in the coming days. While encouraging, re-signing Osa won't fully fix the defensive line.
Speaking of, agent David Canter, who represents DeMarcus Lawrence and several other impeding Cowboys free agents, spoke with 105.3 The Fan at the Combine and peeled back the curtain on the team's intentions with his clients.
Canter said that he is confident the front office can bring "everyone" back, with "everyone" being all of his Cowboys clients. That includes defensive end Chauncey Golston, who many assumed played his way out of what Dallas' price range after a breakout 2024 season.
Cowboys apparently want to re-sign defensive end Chauncey Golston
Re-signing Golston would be a savvy move by the front office.
While Lawrence is currently the superior player and would come cheaper given his age, Golston is an ascending player who produced more than expected in an increased role last season. He only turned 27 in February so he is just entering his prime.
Golston is on an eerily similar career trajectory to former Cowboy Dorance Armstrong. The team re-signed Armstrong to a two-year, $13 million deal after his rookie contract expired following the 2021 season. The former Jayhawk went on to produce a combined 16 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and 28 QB hits in 2022 and '23, so the team got exceptional value out of that deal.
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Thrust into a prominent role while the defense navigated injuries to Micah Parsons and Lawrence, Golston stepped up to the tune of 5.5 sacks, 37 pressures, five passes defended, and 30 defensive stops that tied Osa Odighizuwa for third-most on the team, per PFF. Those numbers are right on par with what Armstrong posted in 2021.
Like Armstrong, Golston is comfortable kicking inside on third downs and he's a prominent contributor on special teams.
While Lawrence is still the best run defender on the roster and a vital locker room presence, he has a worrying history of lower body injuries and he turns 33 in April. He isn't in a position to ask for more than $3-5 million per year. Golston, meanwhile, could go for as much as $6-8 million.
The Cowboys usually defer to the cheaper deal, but they would be smart to invest in the younger, more durable an ascending player.
Golston is firmly in the mix to return to Dallas. It just goes to show that the NFL offseason is full of surprises.