The Cowboys versus Massive Free Agency Mistake

The Dallas Cowboys are entering a tough offseason following another heartbreaking playoff defeat. Head coach Mike McCarthy and many key players are in a “prove-it” situation where they will be coaching and playing for their jobs in 2024. Another early departure next season, and a lot of jobs will be on the line.

That is why the Cowboys must nail this offseason. They are approaching free agency with $21 million over the cap. They have to be inventive to get under the restriction enough to make a few impactful acquisitions for next season.

However, the latest speculated free-agent target is not a good signal for the Cowboys’ goals.

In his latest, ESPN’s Matt Bowen linked running back Josh Jacobs to the Dallas Cowboys as the “best fit.”. As prolific of an offensive player as the former Alabama great is, this would be a massive mistake for the Cowboys.

The All-Pro rusher is one of the top rushing backs on the market, and the Cowboys have a positional need with Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle both becoming unrestricted free agents. Pollard is widely anticipated to quit despite gaining the endorsement of star teammate Micah Parsons.

Yet, the financial circumstances in Dallas should prevent them from blowing the bank for the Raiders running back.

Jacobs played on a $11.7 million salary in 2023. A similar annual amount would be necessary to contract him in the offseason, with Spotrac placing his market worth at $10.6 million per year.

With a Dak Prescott contract extension pending this offseason and lucrative long-term agreements for the likes of CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons coming later, paying a running back over $10 million makes little to no sense. There will be better uses of cap space for the Cowboys.

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