DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys have decisions to make with their free agents.
As the Cowboys seek to get under the salary cap by the start of the new league year in March, they also must determine which veteran free agents they want to bring back for 2023.
Here is a look at whose contracts are expiring on the offensive side of the ball, and recommendations on who should go and who should stay. All salary cap figures are via Over The Cap.
QB Cooper Rush ($977,500) — The former 2017 undrafted free agent from Central Michigan steadied the offense with a 4-1 record as Dak Prescott recovered from his broken thumb. Rush was serviceable with a 5-to-3 touchdown to interception ratio and an 80.0 passer rating, which wasn't bad for a backup. The 6-foot-3-inch, 225-pound signal caller will have to decide between staying behind Prescott or risking it with a new team where he’d have to win a quarterback battle. Keep.
RB Tony Pollard ($796,945) — There is no question that the Pro Bowler surpassed Ezekiel Elliott as the most effective back in the offense, but the broken ankle in the playoffs clouds his future. Incidentally, the Cowboys gave Elliott a contract extension after having a policy of letting backs walk following DeMarco Murray's career year in 2014. Pollard's 1,378 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns are hard to ignore, but Dallas can find another back. Walk.
RB Rico Dowdle ($765,000) — The restricted free agent from South Carolina has battled injuries in his three seasons with Dallas, appearing in just five games in 2022. There would be no harm allowing the 5-foot-11-inch, 215-pound back to return as part of competition for a roster spot. Keep.
WR T.Y. Hilton ($800,000) — When things with Odell Beckham did not manifest, the Cowboys went with a proven veteran, and Hilton had his moments as part of his seven catches for 121 yards through three games. However, expect Dallas to credibly address the position in free agency. Walk.
WR Noah Brown ($1,187,500) — What Brown offers the Cowboys is more than receiving even as he caught a career-high 43 passes for 555 yards and three touchdowns through 16 games, 13 of which he started. The former 2017 seventh-rounder from Ohio State is also a decent special teamer with 68 such snaps in 2022. Brown was featured more on offense with 822 snaps and 74 targets. Dallas may let Brown test the market first. Walk.
TE Dalton Schultz ($10,931,000) — The Cowboys guarded themselves against Schultz with the fourth-round selection of Jake Ferguson, and undrafted free agent Peyton Hendershot coming along gives Dallas more insurance. Schultz appeared in two fewer games than in 2021, but his receptions per game were down (3.8 to 4.6) and his receiving yards per game were also down (38.5 to 47.5). Ferguson and Hendershot proved that they can at least be red zone targets with their two touchdown catches apiece. Walk.
OT Jason Peters ($1,960,000) — Let's put it this way. The 41-year-old has not been in a complete training camp for the past two NFL seasons, signing his free agent deals after the first few preseason games. Peters will be a free agent in every sense of the word. Walk.
OT Terence Steele ($765,000) — The restricted free agent right tackle from Texas Tech tore his ACL in Week 14, which paved the way for Tyron Smith to return. Steele has only improved in each season with the Cowboys, starting in 40 of his 45 games active. For the continuity of the line, Steele has to return. Keep.
G-T Aviante Collins ($895,000) — The Cowboys will have to determine their depth at swing tackle, which is a battle between 2021 fourth-rounder Josh Ball and 2022 fifth-rounder Matt Waletzko. Keeping the former Houston Willowridge and TCU product on the roster through the offseason program and training camp shouldn't hurt. Keep.
G Connor McGovern ($904,527) — The former 2019 third-round pick from Penn State has been dependable for Dallas at guard and center. McGovern could be the odd man out if the Cowboys decide to keep Steele and Tyron Smith, especially if they believe Matt Farniok is an adequate replacement coming off the bench. McGovern's 14 starts at left guard and one at center should be curriculum vitae enough for teams to consider him an intriguing free agent option. Walk.
Which players do you hope to see re-signed by the Cowboys this spring? Share your thoughts with Mark on Twitter @therealmarklane.
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