Dallas Cowboys 2025 Free Agency Review: Breaking Down the Signings and Trades

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2025 NFL free agency period with a clear vision: enhance their defense, shore up key roster spots, and retain their core players. Under the leadership of Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys have made a series of strategic moves—signings, trades, and re-signings—aimed at bolstering their roster for a deep playoff run. Let’s take a detailed look at the Cowboys’ free agency moves, analyze their impact on the team, and examine how these decisions shape the team’s prospects for the 2025 season.

Re-Signings: Retaining Core Talent

One of the Cowboys’ most notable strategies during free agency was to retain their own talent, ensuring continuity within the team. The Cowboys extended contracts to several key players, securing stability and veteran leadership for the season ahead.

Osa Odighizuwa (DT) – Four-year, $80 million deal

The Cowboys managed to lock down one of their most promising defensive players, Osa Odighizuwa, on a four-year, $80 million contract. Odighizuwa had a breakout season in 2024, accumulating 4.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits. His ability to disrupt the pocket and create pressure in the middle of the defense is invaluable. This re-signing ensures that the Cowboys maintain their strong defensive line, which is crucial to their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

KaVontae Turpin (WR/Returner) – Three-year, $18 million deal

KaVontae Turpin was re-signed to a three-year, $18 million contract with $5.5 million guaranteed. Turpin’s dynamic presence as a receiver and returner adds a unique element to the Cowboys’ special teams and offensive units. His ability to change the game with his speed and elusiveness on both offense and special teams makes him a vital asset for the Cowboys’ multifaceted attack.

External Signings: Strategic Acquisitions

While re-signing key players was essential, the Cowboys also made several external signings that are poised to strengthen specific areas of the roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

Solomon Thomas (DT) – Two-year, $8 million deal

One of the more low-key but impactful signings the Cowboys made was bringing in veteran defensive tackle Solomon Thomas on a two-year deal worth up to $8 million. Thomas brings both experience and versatility to the defensive line, providing depth and rotational support. Although not a household name, Thomas is a solid, reliable player who can make contributions in both run defense and pass-rushing situations. His signing ensures that the Cowboys’ defensive line remains fresh and strong throughout the season.

Dante Fowler Jr. (Pass Rusher) – One-year deal

The Cowboys decided to bring back pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. on a one-year deal after a productive season in 2024. Fowler had eight sacks in the previous season and was instrumental in the Cowboys’ defensive scheme. By re-signing Fowler, the Cowboys continue to add pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which was one of their strengths in 2024. His return allows the Cowboys to maintain their strong pass-rush unit while they develop younger talent behind him.

Miles Sanders (RB) – One-year contract

After a stint with the Carolina Panthers, running back Miles Sanders signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys. Sanders offers a fresh dynamic to the Cowboys’ backfield, adding a change-of-pace option to complement their existing stable of running backs. While Sanders isn’t expected to be the primary ball-carrier, he will provide valuable depth and could be a key contributor in certain game situations. His versatility as a runner and receiver out of the backfield gives the Cowboys more options on offense.

Trades: Addressing Specific Needs

In addition to signings, the Cowboys made two notable trades that address key roster needs, particularly in the secondary and linebacker corps. These trades help bolster areas that needed immediate attention and ensure the Cowboys’ defense remains among the league’s elite.

Kaiir Elam (CB) – Trade with Buffalo Bills

The Cowboys traded a 2025 third-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for young cornerback Kaiir Elam. Elam is a promising corner who has shown flashes of high-level play in Buffalo. At just 23 years old, he offers a blend of youth and upside. Elam’s acquisition strengthens the Cowboys’ cornerback group, which had depth concerns following the departures of key veterans. His development could be crucial as the Cowboys look to defend against the increasingly pass-heavy NFL offenses.

Kenneth Murray (LB) – Trade with Los Angeles Chargers

In another move aimed at strengthening the defense, the Cowboys traded a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for linebacker Kenneth Murray. Murray is an athletic and versatile linebacker who has been a reliable starter for the Chargers. He brings much-needed depth to the Cowboys’ linebacker corps and could be a key contributor alongside Micah Parsons. Murray’s speed and ability to cover ground make him a solid fit for the Cowboys’ defensive scheme, which focuses on speed and pressure.

Departures: Navigating Roster Changes

While the Cowboys made significant additions to their roster, they also saw a few key players depart during free agency. These departures will require the Cowboys to adjust their plans and potentially fill voids with younger talent or new signings.

DeMarcus Lawrence (DE) – Signed with Seattle Seahawks

One of the most significant departures was defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Lawrence had been the Cowboys’ leader in terms of pass-rushing prowess and leadership on defense. While his departure leaves a void in the pass rush, the Cowboys have prepared for this transition by adding veterans like Fowler and Thomas. The team will need players like Micah Parsons and Dante Fowler to step up and assume more of the pass-rushing duties.

Jourdan Lewis (CB) – Signed with Jacksonville Jaguars

Jourdan Lewis, one of the Cowboys’ top nickel corners, departed for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he became the highest-paid player at his position. Lewis’ departure leaves a gap in the Cowboys’ secondary, particularly in the slot. However, the acquisition of Kaiir Elam helps offset this loss, and young cornerbacks will be expected to compete for playing time in the nickel and dime packages.

Rico Dowdle (RB) – Signed with Washington Commanders

Rico Dowdle’s departure opened the door for the Cowboys to make moves at running back, including signing Miles Sanders. While Dowdle wasn’t a major contributor in the Cowboys’ offense, his absence leaves a depth hole that will need to be filled by Sanders and other running backs in the mix.

Strategic Overview: Building Around Defense

The Cowboys’ offseason moves reflect a clear strategy of building around their defense. With an elite pass rush led by Micah Parsons, the Cowboys are focused on strengthening the defense further by adding depth and playmaking talent. The addition of Elam and Murray bolsters the secondary and linebacker corps, while the re-signing of Odighizuwa and the addition of Thomas deepen the defensive line.

Offensively, the Cowboys have not made as many splash moves, but they have focused on providing depth at key positions, particularly at running back with the signing of Miles Sanders. The addition of Sanders, coupled with Turpin’s continued growth, gives the Cowboys options for a well-rounded offensive attack.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

As the Cowboys prepare for the 2025 season, the impact of these offseason moves will become clearer as training camp unfolds. The success of the re-signings, trades, and external signings depends on how well they mesh with the existing roster and how effectively the Cowboys utilize their new acquisitions.

The defensive upgrades, in particular, should solidify the Cowboys’ position as one of the top defenses in the league, while the offense will need to continue evolving under quarterback Dak Prescott. The departures of key players like DeMarcus Lawrence and Jourdan Lewis will be felt, but the Cowboys have made calculated moves to ensure they remain competitive.

In the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how these strategic acquisitions impact the Cowboys’ quest for their sixth Super Bowl title. If the defense performs to its potential and the offense stays consistent, the Cowboys could make a deep playoff run. The jury is still out on whether these moves will be enough, but one thing is clear: the 2025 Cowboys are all in.