Blogging The Boys
There are some low-cost free agents who the Cowboys should keep an eye on.
On Wednesday, it was announced that the NFL salary cap would increase from $255.4M to somewhere between $277.5 and $281.5 million. That’s a significant jump that shows how much the game grew financially. Usually, that would spark interest amongst most NFL fans and excitement with free agency fast approaching. However, the Dallas Cowboys don’t operate like everyone else. They won’t chase the top-of-the-market free agents. That’s how they’ve conducted business for the better part of the last decade.
However, there is value should a few free agents hit the market that would fall nicely in an affordable price point for the Cowboys. With free agency less than a month away, now would be a good time to look at some free agents the Cowboys should have their eyes on.
Running back is a big need for the Cowboys this offseason. Although Rico Dowdle performed well, he’s set for unrestricted free agency and may seek a bigger contract elsewhere. Dallas is linked to running back prospects in the draft, but it would be wise to supplement their position depth early rather than picking running backs out of desperation. Elijah Mitchell would be a solid addition for the Cowboys, allowing them veteran experience and not preventing them from spending draft capital on a running back.
Mitchell is a 1-cut runner with good speed in the open field and enough physicality to finish runs inside the red zone. Injuries have been a factor in his career, as he missed all of 2024, but that’s precisely why he should come at a very low cost. In his rookie season, Mitchell ran for 963 yards on 267 carries and has averaged 4.7 yards per carry for his career, proving that he is an efficient runner. Adding Mitchell means that he has to be part of an ensemble at running back, and that’s a role he’s already comfortable with.
Another running back on this list. Williams is a talented runner who has a lot to offer when healthy. However, his health and intermittent inconsistency led to Williams falling out of favor with Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Williams lost carries to Seth McLaughlin and rookie Auric Estime last season, and the Broncos are going in a different direction regarding running back.
Yet, when healthy and at his best, Williams is an elusive runner that shakes defenders out of would-be tackles. At 5’10”, 210 pounds, Williams has a sturdy frame to take on volume carries. Williams had 31 broken tackles on just over 200 attempts as a rookie. That number has since dwindled, but after another year of recovery and getting fully healthy, he could recover that magic with the Cowboys. Williams has workhorse potential and is still 24 years old. Like Mitchell, his injuries lower his cost, and that’s exactly what the frugal Cowboys are looking for.
By adding Jameis Winston, Dallas...
