The Dallas Cowboys Begin Free Agency Quietly, While NFC East Rivals Eagles and Commanders Make Bold Moves
As the NFL free agency period begins, the Dallas Cowboys have taken a low-key approach, quietly entering the market with minimal fanfare. While the Cowboys have traditionally been one of the league’s most high-profile teams, their relative silence during this free agency period contrasts sharply with the more aggressive moves made by their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders.
For the Cowboys, this quiet start to free agency has left fans and analysts alike wondering whether the team is truly committed to building on their promising 2023 season or if they are content to stand pat as their division rivals ramp up their efforts to improve. Meanwhile, the Eagles and Commanders have been making headlines, both adding significant talent to their rosters with an eye toward strengthening their positions within the competitive NFC East.
Cowboys’ Approach to Free Agency: Quiet, Yet Calculated?
The Dallas Cowboys have long been a team known for their high-profile signings, but this year, they’ve taken a different approach. While teams like the Eagles and Commanders have made flashy moves, the Cowboys have been relatively quiet on the free-agent market, making only a few moves that haven’t garnered much attention.
One of the key acquisitions for the Cowboys has been the signing of former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams to a one-year, $3 million contract. Williams, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career, is expected to provide some depth to the Cowboys’ backfield alongside Tony Pollard. However, this move hasn’t been the headline-grabbing signing that fans might have expected from a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Additionally, the Cowboys have been focusing on re-signing their own free agents, including key defensive players like linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and cornerback Jourdan Lewis. While these moves help maintain continuity within the team, they don’t carry the same level of excitement as some of the major signings in the division.
The Cowboys’ decision to keep a low profile in free agency could be part of a larger, more measured strategy. The team has a solid core in place, and general manager Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy may be looking to make more subtle, strategic moves rather than splashy signings. This conservative approach might also be a result of their strong draft classes in recent years, with an emphasis on developing homegrown talent.
However, this lack of movement has left many wondering whether the Cowboys are truly committed to taking the next step or if they’re content with their current roster. With the NFC East getting stronger, many fans are hoping for the Cowboys to make more aggressive moves to keep up with their rivals.
Philadelphia Eagles: Aggressive Moves to Strengthen the Roster
On the other hand, the Philadelphia Eagles have made headlines throughout the offseason with bold moves aimed at further cementing their status as the top team in the NFC East. Coming off a Super Bowl appearance in the 2022 season, the Eagles were already one of the most complete teams in the NFL. However, they have been far from complacent during free agency, adding several high-profile players to bolster their roster.
One of the biggest moves for the Eagles was their acquisition of cornerback James Bradberry, re-signing him to a lucrative deal that solidified their already strong defensive backfield. Bradberry’s partnership with Darius Slay gives the Eagles one of the best cornerback tandems in the league, providing a formidable secondary to support a pass rush led by defensive linemen like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham.
The Eagles also made a splash by signing former Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards, adding a physical presence to their defense. Edwards is expected to play a key role in the middle of the defense and provide leadership and stability to a unit that is already one of the league’s most dynamic.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Eagles were able to secure the re-signing of key players like quarterback Jalen Hurts and offensive lineman Jason Kelce, ensuring their high-powered offense will remain intact. Hurts, who led the Eagles to a near Super Bowl victory, is one of the most promising quarterbacks in the league, and keeping him under contract is a significant move for the team’s long-term success.
With these aggressive signings and the continued development of their young core, the Eagles are primed to remain a Super Bowl contender in the NFC East. Their ability to consistently upgrade their roster during free agency has only reinforced their position as one of the most dangerous teams in the conference.
Washington Commanders: Making Strides to Compete in the NFC East
While the Cowboys have been relatively quiet, the Washington Commanders have been making significant moves to become more competitive in the NFC East. Despite struggling in recent years, Washington has the potential to turn things around with a solid roster and a new era under head coach Ron Rivera.
One of the key moves for the Commanders was acquiring quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who was signed to a one-year deal to provide competition at the quarterback position. Brissett, known for his reliability and solid play, will compete for the starting role with second-year quarterback Sam Howell, who is seen as the future of the franchise. By adding Brissett, the Commanders have ensured that they won’t be caught off guard if Howell struggles early in the season.
In addition to the quarterback acquisition, the Commanders also focused on improving their defense, particularly the secondary. Washington added veteran cornerback William Jackson III, who should provide an immediate boost to a secondary that has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency. The addition of Jackson, along with other defensive signings, is expected to strengthen a unit that already boasts standout players like edge rusher Chase Young and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Washington also made moves to bolster their offensive line and add depth to their wide receiver corps. These additions should help take some of the pressure off the quarterback position, whether it’s Howell or Brissett under center. With a solid defense and a revamped offense, the Commanders are aiming to be more competitive in the NFC East and challenge both the Cowboys and Eagles for supremacy.
The NFC East: A Division of Shifting Power
The NFC East has long been one of the most competitive and unpredictable divisions in the NFL, and the 2024 offseason is shaping up to be no different. While the Cowboys have taken a quieter approach in free agency, their rivals have been making bold moves to bolster their rosters and position themselves for a run at the division title.
The Philadelphia Eagles have emerged as the team to beat in the NFC East, and their aggressive free agency moves have only solidified their standing as one of the top teams in the NFL. With a roster that is both deep and talented, the Eagles will be a formidable opponent for the Cowboys and anyone else looking to challenge for the NFC title.
The Washington Commanders, while still in the process of rebuilding, have shown that they are determined to make strides in the division and could surprise some teams with their improved roster. The addition of Jacoby Brissett and bolstered defense gives them the tools they need to be competitive, even if they aren’t yet on the level of the Eagles or Cowboys.
For the Cowboys, the question remains whether their more subdued approach to free agency will be enough to compete with these rivals. While they’ve made some important moves, such as adding Javonte Williams, the team’s overall inactivity has left many wondering if they are missing opportunities to truly strengthen their roster. The NFC East is shaping up to be a battle for supremacy, and it remains to be seen if the Cowboys’ current strategy will be enough to keep pace with the more aggressive moves from the Eagles and Commanders.
A Division at a Crossroads
As free agency unfolds, the NFC East appears to be at a crossroads. The Cowboys, traditionally the division’s most high-profile team, have taken a more conservative approach, while the Eagles and Commanders have been more proactive in upgrading their rosters. The Eagles, coming off a Super Bowl appearance, are looking to build on their success, while the Commanders are positioning themselves as a team on the rise.
The Cowboys, for their part, will need to make sure their quiet approach to free agency doesn’t hinder their chances in an increasingly competitive division. With the Eagles and Commanders making bold moves, it will be interesting to see if the Cowboys can make the necessary adjustments to keep up and, ultimately, reclaim their spot at the top of the NFC East.