Dallas Cowboys free agency tracker: Is Jerry Jones going to spend heavily, defying past trends? “The Athletic”

The Dallas Cowboys have long been defined by their storied history, including multiple Super Bowl victories and a reputation for an unyielding desire to win. However, in recent years, their free agency strategies have drawn attention for their frugality and an approach that has often been criticized as hesitant, despite the team’s lofty ambitions. Under the ownership of Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ roster-building strategy has historically leaned toward the NFL Draft rather than free-agent signings. But in 2025, there are growing questions about whether Jones, amid significant changes to his team and a critical period in the franchise’s trajectory, will defy his past trends and adopt a more aggressive approach to the free-agent market.

The Cowboys’ Historical Free Agency Approach

For over two decades, Jerry Jones has favored a cautious approach to free agency, which has drawn both praise and frustration from fans and analysts alike. While the Cowboys have been consistently competitive, they have often refrained from splurging on big-ticket free agents, preferring to develop talent through the draft and manage salary cap flexibility.

In recent years, the Cowboys have ranked among the lowest in free-agent spending. In 2024, for example, the Cowboys allocated only $18.85 million toward free agents, a figure that placed them at the bottom of the league. Jones has often justified this by emphasizing the importance of drafting and developing players, which aligns with his long-standing belief in maintaining fiscal discipline and building a roster for sustained success rather than relying on quick fixes.

This approach has its merits, as evidenced by some of the team’s key draft picks, like quarterback Dak Prescott, linebacker Micah Parsons, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. These players have been crucial to the Cowboys’ success and represent the core of a young and talented team. However, it has also raised questions about whether the Cowboys’ lack of aggressive moves in free agency could hinder their ability to compete for a Super Bowl, especially when compared to other teams that have pursued high-profile free agents to fill gaps and bolster their rosters.

A Shifting Strategy? Recent Moves Indicate Change

Despite his historical reluctance to engage in high-profile free-agent signings, recent moves by the Cowboys suggest that Jerry Jones may be contemplating a shift in strategy as he looks to ensure that his team remains competitive in an ever-changing NFL landscape.

Restructuring Contracts for Flexibility

The first significant signal that the Cowboys could be preparing to spend more in free agency came in the form of contract restructures. In early 2025, the Cowboys made moves to create significant cap space by restructuring the contracts of several key players, including Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. These moves generated over $54 million in salary cap space, giving the Cowboys one of the more flexible cap situations in the league.

While the Cowboys have historically avoided large-scale free-agent signings, they have now positioned themselves to make a more substantial move if needed. With several key players on expiring contracts and multiple areas of the roster in need of reinforcement, the team has the financial room to explore options in free agency, something that would have been difficult under previous cap constraints.

Internal Roster Changes and Extensions

Along with clearing cap space, the Cowboys have also focused on securing their core players long-term. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, for example, was signed to a four-year, $80 million deal with $58 million guaranteed. This contract extension was a clear indication that the Cowboys intend to keep their defensive line intact as a key strength of the team, especially with the emergence of Micah Parsons as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players.

By locking up these critical pieces, Jones and the Cowboys are signaling their commitment to ensuring that their star players remain part of the long-term vision for the franchise. However, while these moves are vital for the future of the defense, they also create an expectation that the team will be more active in free agency to address offensive gaps and add veteran players to complement their young stars.

Addressing Team Needs in 2025

As of the 2025 offseason, the Cowboys find themselves with several areas of need. The most pressing of these is likely the linebacker corps, where the team could use a dynamic and experienced player to pair with Parsons. Despite having a solid defense, the Cowboys struggled at times in the middle of their defense, especially in coverage and tackling, areas where they could improve significantly by adding a free-agent linebacker.

In addition to linebacker, the Cowboys may also look to bolster their offensive line. Aging players and injuries have taken a toll on a once-formidable unit, and Dallas could benefit from adding depth or even a star player to ensure that Dak Prescott has the protection he needs in the pocket. The Cowboys have consistently focused on drafting offensive linemen, but this offseason might be the time to invest in a proven veteran who can step in and immediately contribute.

There are also questions surrounding the Cowboys’ wide receiver depth. While Lamb has emerged as the team’s top receiving threat, the team has been inconsistent in finding a reliable No. 2 wideout. Adding a veteran receiver who can provide an immediate impact on passing downs could be a priority, especially as the Cowboys look to support Prescott and enhance their offensive output.

Jerry Jones’ Reluctance to Overspend

Despite the cap space and needs on the roster, Jerry Jones has made it clear that he is not necessarily looking to free agency as the place to fill all of the Cowboys’ gaps. Jones has publicly stated, “I’m not looking at free agency as a place to fill voids.” This is a direct reflection of his long-standing philosophy of building through the draft and maintaining a financially responsible approach to team-building.

Jones’ reluctance to overspend in free agency has served the Cowboys well in some cases, allowing the team to avoid committing long-term money to aging or overhyped players. In the past, Jones has been vocal about the importance of team chemistry and player development, and his preference for internal roster growth reflects his belief that free agency should complement, not replace, the work done in the draft.

That being said, Jones has also acknowledged that the NFL is a “win-now” league, where immediate results are often necessary to remain competitive. The Cowboys’ roster, while talented, has faced criticism for being unable to push past the divisional round of the playoffs in recent years. If the team’s current trajectory does not result in a deep playoff run in 2025, Jones could feel compelled to make aggressive moves in free agency, even if it contradicts his usual strategy.

The Impact of Coaching Changes

A key factor in the Cowboys’ future direction will be the influence of their new coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer, who took over as offensive coordinator in 2025, has brought fresh ideas to a unit that had previously struggled with consistency. His system is expected to feature more creativity and adaptability, which could make it easier for the team to target specific areas of weakness in free agency.

Schottenheimer’s experience in the NFL, coupled with his knowledge of how to build an offense around a star quarterback, could drive the Cowboys to invest in players who fit his vision for a high-powered offense. As the Cowboys continue to evaluate their needs, the coaching staff will likely have a significant say in which free agents they target, especially if those players can immediately elevate the team’s competitive standing.

Looking Ahead: Will Jerry Jones Spend Big in 2025?

As the 2025 offseason unfolds, the Dallas Cowboys face critical decisions that could define the future of the franchise. While Jerry Jones has historically avoided the big splashes in free agency, the team’s newfound salary cap flexibility and pressing roster needs may push him to make a more aggressive move than in years past.

At the same time, it is important to remember that Jones’ strategy is rarely one of impulsive decisions. The Cowboys’ approach to free agency will likely remain methodical and calculated, with an emphasis on finding players who fit the team’s long-term vision. However, with the clock ticking on a Super Bowl window that includes star players like Prescott and Parsons, Jones could feel the pressure to go beyond his usual frugality and make the kind of bold moves that elevate his team’s chances at the ultimate prize.

As always, the Cowboys’ 2025 offseason will be one to watch, as Jerry Jones decides whether to break from tradition or continue to follow the path that has brought the franchise success, albeit with occasional frustration. One thing is certain—the decisions made in the next few months will have far-reaching consequences for the future of the Cowboys.