Blogging The Boys
Why do you think the Cowboys have been more aggressive this offseason?
Much to the satisfaction of fans across the world, the Dallas Cowboys have been very active this offseason. Between re-signing their own, signing free agents, and making trades, the front office has done a lot to replenish their roster. This is a stark contrast to how they behaved last season, which was scrutinized immensely, and even more so because of how the media and fans chose to interpret Jerry Jones’ “all-in” comment (the truth behind Jerry’s all-in comments).
Regardless of what Jones said last year, the team clearly didn’t do enough in the offseason to strengthen the roster. After losing several starters in free agency, we all watched as the team did next to nothing to replenish their losses.
But that’s not happening this year. The team has experienced similar losses, but has made move after move to fill gaps and address many areas of the roster. It is puzzling how they can go from being so quiet to being so active. Not that we’re complaining, but what is up with the two completely different offseasons?
We have some theories, but before we get started, let’s run down the roster moves in each of the last two seasons so we can get a clear picture of what the team has lost and what they have added. Here are the players that have left in free agency over the last two seasons.
Looking at these two lists, the losses are similar. Last year’s lost free agents seemed like a lot at the time, but it only equates to $5 million more if you compare the average annual value of their salaries. There are a handful of key players on both lists, but we can say that there isn’t much difference in what the team had to deal with in terms of their own players walking away in free agency.
The big difference comes from how the front office responded. Putting together that list looks shows the change.
This is where things are noticeably different. They have invested over three times the financial resources in the players this year than a year ago. When you break each element of roster building down, here are the differences.
Re-signing their own
This one is easy. The team retained Osa Odighizuwa this year to the surprise of many. His $20 million annual salary is the difference maker between the two seasons. Without it, this group would almost be the same as all of the other players in this group, from either year, are low-cost depth players.
Outside free agents
The Cowboys essentially doubled what they did a year ago. They only had one player last year who cost at least $3 million (Eric Kendricks). They have four players with that cost this season, with their biggest splurge being the return of Dante Fowler.
Trades
The team was very active in this department this season, adding $10 million to their budget with the acquisitions...
