The Dallas Cowboys: A Quiet Start to Free Agency

The NFL offseason is always a time of anticipation and excitement for fans, with free agency often setting the stage for the following season. This period typically features big moves from teams looking to bolster their rosters, but for the Dallas Cowboys, free agency has been relatively quiet in 2025. While other teams, notably the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, have made waves with significant signings, the Cowboys have been largely silent, leaving fans and analysts to wonder about their direction and strategy for the future.

Cowboys’ Offseason Strategy: Patience or Missed Opportunity?

Historically, the Dallas Cowboys have been a team that likes to make a splash in the offseason, whether through big-name free-agent signings or high-profile trades. However, 2025 has seen a shift in that pattern. The front office, led by Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy, seems to be taking a more measured approach. Some fans have expressed frustration over the lack of high-profile moves, especially given the team’s strong regular-season performance in 2024.

However, the Cowboys have always valued consistency and a solid internal structure. The decision not to make drastic changes in free agency might be indicative of the belief that the current roster, while not perfect, is close to championship-ready. The team made a deep playoff run in 2024, and many of the core players are still in their primes. Keeping the focus on retaining their key contributors, rather than bringing in new faces, may be a strategy designed to maintain continuity.

One of the most notable moves for the Cowboys this offseason was the re-signing of key players like linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and offensive lineman Tyron Smith. These deals solidify the team’s core and prevent it from losing valuable experience. Additionally, the Cowboys have been working to retain their homegrown talent, continuing their tradition of developing players through the draft and maintaining long-term success. In this regard, their free agency strategy may simply be one of patience and prudence.

The Cowboys’ decision to avoid major splashes in free agency is also likely a reflection of their financial strategy. The team has significant contracts on the books, especially with star players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, and the salary cap is always a concern for teams looking to build long-term success. By prioritizing retention over external acquisitions, the Cowboys are ensuring they have the financial flexibility to make moves later in the offseason or mid-season when more opportunities arise.

While it may not be as exciting as a big-name signing, the Cowboys’ quiet free agency approach allows them to focus on developing their roster internally, refining their strengths, and avoiding the potential pitfalls of expensive, high-risk acquisitions. In a season where stability and growth are paramount, it might just be the smart play for a team that is already among the league’s elite.

The Eagles’ Aggressive Approach: A Reigning NFC East Powerhouse

While the Cowboys have taken a backseat in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles have once again shown why they are considered one of the best-run franchises in the NFL. Coming off a Super Bowl appearance in 2024, the Eagles wasted no time in bolstering their already formidable roster. Their front office, led by general manager Howie Roseman, has been active in securing high-profile players to help the team make another run at the Lombardi Trophy.

One of the first moves of the offseason for the Eagles was locking down several key free agents. They extended defensive end Josh Sweat and added depth to their offensive line, ensuring that the strength of their team—dominant trench play—remains intact. But perhaps the biggest move for the Eagles was signing a dynamic wide receiver to pair with their already dangerous offense. The addition of a game-breaking wideout helps take the pressure off star quarterback Jalen Hurts and gives him more weapons to work with in what is quickly becoming one of the most explosive offenses in the league.

Philadelphia has also made significant moves to improve their defense, one of the most important aspects of their success in 2024. They brought in veterans who can provide leadership and high-level play immediately. The Eagles’ defense was already a top-tier unit, but the added depth will allow them to withstand injuries and rotations throughout a long season. The combination of star power and depth makes the Eagles a terrifying team on both sides of the ball.

In addition to signing players, the Eagles have continued to excel in the draft, adding young talent to their roster that complements their established core. This ability to balance established veterans with rising stars is a hallmark of their success, and the 2025 offseason was no different. With the rise of teams like the Cowboys, the Eagles have shown they are not resting on their laurels but rather positioning themselves for sustained success.

Philadelphia has firmly established itself as the team to beat in the NFC East, and with their aggressive moves this offseason, they appear poised to maintain that status for the foreseeable future.

Washington Commanders: Reinventing Themselves

Another team that has taken significant steps forward in the NFC East is the Washington Commanders. After years of inconsistency, the Commanders have started to show signs of real promise. Under new ownership and a revitalized front office, Washington has been active in free agency, bringing in key players to fill holes in both their offense and defense.

The Commanders made one of the most eye-catching moves of the offseason by signing a top-tier quarterback. Washington’s struggles at the quarterback position have been well-documented, and by adding a veteran signal-caller, they now have stability at the most important position on the field. The move is expected to elevate the team’s offense and give them a fighting chance to compete in the tough NFC East.

Beyond the quarterback position, the Commanders have added several key pieces to their defense, particularly in the secondary. Washington’s defense, one of the team’s strengths in recent years, has been bolstered with more talent, giving them an even stronger foundation to build on. This is a defense that has the potential to be one of the most disruptive in the NFL, and with the right pieces on offense, they could soon become a legitimate contender.

Much like the Eagles, the Commanders have been active in the draft, adding promising young players to their roster. With a solid foundation in place, Washington is setting itself up for long-term success and is expected to challenge both the Cowboys and Eagles for dominance in the NFC East.

NFC East: A Competitive Division

The NFC East has always been one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, but in recent years, it has been dominated by the Eagles. The Cowboys, while consistently good, have fallen short of Super Bowl contention, and the Commanders have often struggled to maintain consistency. However, with the moves made in the 2025 offseason, it appears that the balance of power in the NFC East is shifting.

The Eagles, with their aggressive strategy, remain the team to beat. Their well-rounded roster, led by Hurts and a strong defense, makes them the front-runners in the division. The Cowboys, however, are not far behind. Despite their quiet free agency, they remain a top-tier team, and their focus on retaining key players may prove to be the right call in the long run. The Commanders, now with a new-look offense and a strengthened defense, are the dark horse in the division and could surprise many if they continue to build on their offseason improvements.

Conclusion

While the Dallas Cowboys have taken a more conservative approach to free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders have made bold moves that will undoubtedly make the NFC East one of the most exciting divisions in the NFL in 2025. The Cowboys’ strategy of internal development and roster continuity may pay off in the long run, but they will need to keep pace with the Eagles’ aggressive pursuit of excellence and the Commanders’ newfound optimism. In a division that has seen its fair share of turmoil and change, it’s clear that the competition for supremacy in the NFC East is far from over. As the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how each team fares and whether the Cowboys can prove that patience in free agency can lead to ultimate success.