2024 Dallas Cowboys free agents: Targets, draft needs and more as free agency nears

Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium.

Sadly, 2023, much like every season since the turn of the century, was not the Dallas Cowboys’ year. Although America’s Team showed great promise throughout the season, earning an NFC East title and securing the NFC’s No. 2 seed in the playoffs, the Cowboys could not get anything going when it mattered most.

Quarterback Dak Prescott was an MVP candidate for most of the season. Wideout CeeDee Lamb cemented himself as arguably the best receiver in the NFL. Micah Parsons continued dominating at the line of scrimmage. Still, the only history the Cowboys made was becoming the first No. 2 seed ever to lose to a No. 7-seed in the wild card round.

Clearly, the Cowboys have a lot of work to do this offseason if they want to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers for a Super Bowl anytime soon. The Cowboys do not have much cap space – ranking 27th in the NFL for 2024, according to Over the Cap – actually falling in the red heading into the offseason. However, there are several solid players that can improve the team in free agency for a reasonable price.

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Here’s everything to know about Dallas’ impending free agency period.

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2024 Dallas Cowboys free agents

Unrestricted free agents

In order of percentage of snaps played, per Spotrac:

• CB Stephon Gilmore
• LT Tyron Smith
• C Tyler Biadasz
• S Jayron Kearse
• RB Tony Pollard
• CB Jourdan Lewis
• OT Chuma Edoga
• DT Johnathan Hankins
• LS Trent Sieg
• DT Neville Gallimore
• EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.
• TE Sean McKeon
• CB Noah Igbinoghene
• EDGE Dorance Armstrong Jr.
• CB C.J. Goodwin

Restricted free agents

• RB Rico Dowdle

Potential Dallas Cowboys draft targets

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Middlehurst-Schwartz writes, “Dallas might need to replace Tyron Smith if the longtime left tackle heads elsewhere in free agency or retires. Though Mims has just eight starts to his name and played right tackle at Georgia, he’s the kind of high-upside option that Jones might be drawn to.”

Damian Parson, The Draft Network: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Much like Middlehurst-Schwartz, Parson has Mims going to the Cowboys as well. With the potential departures of both Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz, the offensive line was always going to be an area of attention for this team. While Mims offers incredible size and athleticism for this position, if the Cowboys take on such an inexperienced player, that move would certainly be an all-or-nothing decision hoping Mims is the piece they need to win a Super Bowl.

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

Reuter writes, “Forget about Fautanu’s size. He can play tackle in the NFL. His lateral movement, hip flexion and anchor should allow him to step in for Tyron Smith if the veteran doesn’t re-sign in 2024.”

Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Sikkema writes, “Tyron Smith is a pending free agent and Terence Steele didn’t fare well at right tackle in 2023, so the Cowboys will have their options open for offensive line investments. Mims is green on experience but has a ton of athletic potential in his 6-foot-7, 330-pound frame.”

Garrett Podell, CBS Sports: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Podell brings up an interesting point regarding the decision here. If Tyron Smith leaves in free agency, the Cowboys would almost certainly have to spend their first-round draft pick on an offensive tackle due to the contract situation with left guard Tyler Smith. Tyler Smith has been one of the best offensive linemen in the league, earning a second-team All-Pro nod in 2023. The Cowboys, already in the red in terms of cap, perhaps cannot afford to keep both Smith’s, meaning a tackle in the first round would make the most sense.

When does NFL free agency begin?

The NFL’s legal tampering period begins on March 11 at noon ET. Players, teams, and agents will be allowed to begin negotiating contracts for the upcoming free agency during this period. However, contracts cannot be completed until March 13 at 4 p.m. ET. This date is when the business year for the NFL turns anew, meaning March 13 is officially when contracts are finished, so that is when players and teams can sign new contracts.

When is the 2024 NFL Draft?

Where: Campus Marius Park at Hart Plaza in Detroit, MI

When: April 25-27, 2024

TV: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network

Stream: NFL+, ESPN+, fuboTV

How to watch: Catch this year’s NFL Draft with a Fubo subscription

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 Dallas Cowboys free agents: Targets, draft needs and more as free agency nears