Recent rumors virtually confirm the departure of two important Cowboys free agents.
Every offseason, supporters of the Dallas Cowboys are forced to lower their expectations because to the team’s revered, cautious approach to free agency. Even though Jerry Jones declared he would be all in following the Cowboys’ wild card defeat to the Packers, this season feels uncannily similar.
It seems out that Jones’ all-in promise included giving Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons lucrative contract extensions. The Cowboys offseason appears to be focused once more on re-signing important free agents who fit into the 2024 plans and extending contracts to its homegrown players.
However, Dallas will have to let go of a few free agents, just like in each summer. Tyron Smith won’t be back for the upcoming season, according to a shocking revelation that surfaced over the weekend. When Smith’s agent arrived at the Combine to meet with the Cowboys, it seemed like the talks had come to an abrupt end.
Who could possibly follow Smith out the door, one wonders? The Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler both claim that defensive end Dorance Armstrong and center Tyler Biadasz are almost certain to sign as free agents.
It becomes more and more likely that Biadasz, like homegrown offensive lineman Connor Williams and Connor McGovern, will go after signing a rookie deal. Re-signing Biasadz would maintain consistency on an offensive line that might lose its left tackle bookend as well, but the Cowboys might select a better player in the April draft.
Ultimately, the offensive suffered greatly from Biadasz’s inconsistent play as a run-blocker. According to Gehlken’s research, Biadasz is likely to want a larger contract than anticipated. Dallas shouldn’t have to engage in a bidding war for an unreliable player at a non-premium position.
Now that Armstrong was in the league, Fowler described the 2018 fourth-round pick as a “sleeper free agent getting buzz” prior to the start of the new campaign.
There is a lot of interest in this important Dallas defensive lineman. Armstrong probably won’t be returning to the Cowboys; Dan Quinn, the new Commanders coach, might try to sign him in Washington, according to Fowler.
A two-edged sword, indeed. Following the 2021 campaign, Armstrong was re-signed by the Cowboys on a two-year contract. According to Pro Football Focus, the former Jayhawk has exceeded his contract, amassing 16 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits, 74 pressures, and 45 defensive stops.
It should come as no surprise that Armstrong will soon receive a sizable paycheck. The Cowboys can’t afford to sign him for more than $8 million a year since they already have to pay DeMarcus Lawrence and need to set up money to pay Micah Parsons the maximum salary.
But there’s no denying that Armstrong was an important defensive lineman for Dallas. As a special team member, he can play several positions and adds greater versatility. If he departs, the Cowboys had best find a worthy successor right now because they will miss him terribly.
