Stephen Jones Reveals Dallas Cowboys’ Plan for NFL Free Agency
As the NFL offseason approaches, all eyes are on the Dallas Cowboys and how they plan to address the needs of their roster in free agency. With the 2025 season on the horizon, the Cowboys are in a pivotal position to either solidify their Super Bowl contention status or find themselves falling short once again. With the salary cap in mind and a strong desire to make a deep postseason run, Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ Executive Vice President, recently opened up about the team’s strategy for free agency.
For Cowboys fans, it was a glimpse into what the front office has been planning as the franchise prepares for the next step toward a championship.
Strategic Focus: Addressing Key Areas of Need
Stephen Jones, who has been instrumental in shaping the team’s roster for several seasons, emphasized that the Cowboys will focus on making calculated decisions in free agency, prioritizing both short-term and long-term success. In a recent interview, Jones laid out the key areas that the Cowboys front office will target as they head into free agency.
“We’ve got a great team, but there are always areas to improve,” Jones said. “The goal is to build a team that is capable of winning a Super Bowl, and that starts with solidifying key positions. We want to keep building on what we’ve done so far, and we’re looking to add the right players to help us take that next step.”
The Cowboys have a number of positions they are looking to address in free agency. Here’s a breakdown of the primary areas of focus:
1. Wide Receiver Depth
One of the key positions the Cowboys are looking to address is wide receiver depth. While CeeDee Lamb remains the focal point of the offense, the Cowboys are looking to add another playmaking wideout to complement their star receiver. Last season, Dallas struggled with injuries and inconsistency at the position, particularly with players like Michael Gallup and Brandin Cooks not fully reaching their potential.
“We’ve got a solid group, but we need to make sure we have the depth to sustain a full season,” Jones remarked. “The way offenses are run in today’s NFL, having multiple weapons on the field is crucial. We’re looking for someone who can help take the pressure off CeeDee and be a reliable target for Dak.”
While the Cowboys have several talented receivers, they may be seeking an experienced veteran or a dynamic, explosive player who can stretch the field and provide more options in the passing game.
2. Defensive Line Reinforcements
Another area of focus for the Cowboys is the defensive line. The team has one of the most formidable defensive units in the league, led by Micah Parsons, Demarcus Lawrence, and a young, talented secondary. However, there are concerns regarding depth on the defensive line, particularly in terms of pass-rushing specialists and rotational players who can keep the starters fresh throughout the season.
“The defensive line is where we’ve really seen the game change,” Jones explained. “Having the ability to rotate guys and keep pressure on the quarterback is huge. We feel good about our starting front, but we’re always looking to add more depth and talent to make sure we can stay fresh and effective.”
The Cowboys’ pass rush has been a strength over the years, but adding another playmaker or depth piece to the line could elevate the defense to another level. The team might look to sign an experienced defensive tackle or edge rusher who can provide that extra spark in key situations.
3. Offensive Line Depth and Youth
While the Cowboys’ offensive line is generally regarded as one of the best in the league, it’s also an aging group. Players like Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, who have been stalwarts for the team for nearly a decade, are no longer in the prime of their careers. As the Cowboys look to continue their high-powered offense and keep quarterback Dak Prescott protected, they’ll need to add more depth and youth to the offensive line.
“We’re always thinking about how we can keep Dak upright and allow our offense to operate at its highest level,” Jones noted. “We have great players on the line, but we want to make sure we have the right depth for the future. It’s about balance, and we need to ensure we have the guys who can step up when called upon.”
The Cowboys will likely look to address this need with younger talent, possibly in the form of a guard, tackle, or versatile lineman who can develop behind the starters and provide immediate depth if needed.
4. Cornerback Depth
The Cowboys’ defense has been bolstered by a strong secondary led by Trevon Diggs and a rising star in safety Malik Hooker. However, one area where the Cowboys could stand to improve is in cornerback depth. Injuries to some of the team’s cornerbacks last season left the team thin at the position, and adding another experienced cornerback to the roster could provide much-needed stability and versatility to the secondary.
“There’s no question our secondary is talented, but we need to make sure we have enough depth to handle the long grind of the season,” Jones said. “With the passing game being such a huge focus in today’s NFL, having multiple capable corners is critical for us.”
The Cowboys may look to add a veteran cornerback in free agency—someone who can provide depth and potentially challenge for a starting role. Having a reliable option to pair with Diggs and continue to develop the secondary will be crucial for the Cowboys as they move forward.
5. Special Teams Contributions
In addition to the major position groups, Stephen Jones has emphasized that the Cowboys will also be targeting special teams contributors in free agency. While special teams often get overlooked, they play a vital role in securing field position and making key plays during critical moments of the game.
“We know that the special teams unit is a crucial part of the team,” Jones explained. “We’re looking to add depth across the board, especially in those areas where we can make a difference in the kicking game and on coverage units.”
The Cowboys could look to bring in free agents who excel in special teams, such as return specialists or players who have been known to make an impact on coverage teams.
Managing the Salary Cap: Balancing Big Moves and Keeping Core Players
One of the key challenges for Stephen Jones and the Cowboys’ front office is managing the team’s salary cap space while still being able to make significant upgrades. The Cowboys are already committed to several big contracts, including Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, and others, which means that any free agent signings will have to be made with financial responsibility in mind.
“We’ve always been strategic about how we approach the cap,” Jones said. “It’s about getting creative, making smart decisions, and ensuring that we’re investing in the right players. We want to keep our core players intact, but we also need to add the right pieces to fill in the gaps.”
The Cowboys will likely focus on one or two high-impact signings while looking for value deals in other areas to maximize their roster without overextending financially.
The Final Goal: Super Bowl Contention
The primary objective for the Cowboys in free agency is clear: they want to put together a roster that is capable of winning a Super Bowl. With the core of the team in place, Stephen Jones is focused on finding the right pieces that can complement the existing talent and elevate the team to championship-level play.
“We’re not just looking to make the playoffs or win the NFC East; we want to win the Super Bowl,” Jones stated firmly. “That’s the ultimate goal, and everything we do this offseason is aimed at that.”
With a mix of free agent signings, continued development from their young players, and a solid coaching staff in place, the Cowboys are in a good position to make a serious run at the ultimate prize in 2025. Free agency will be crucial in shaping the team’s future, but the foundation is strong, and the Cowboys are poised for a potential championship season.
As the NFL’s free agency period approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are ready to make their moves—adding key players, strengthening their roster, and continuing their quest for the Super Bowl. The offseason strategy laid out by Stephen Jones signals that the Cowboys are committed to making the right moves for both the present and the future. With a mixture of smart acquisitions, player development, and solid leadership, the Cowboys will be a team to watch in the 2025 season.