Day one of NFL free agency has been absolutely awesome for teams not named the Dallas Cowboys.
After Monday ended, Dallas lost three starters and added nobody, which shouldn’t be a surprise.
Who They Lost
The day started off with Tony Pollard leaving the Cowboys to sign a three-year contract worth $24 million with the Tennessee Titans, and it didn’t stop there.
Titans expected to sign RB Tony Pollard. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/jMPc7TgSI4
— NFL (@NFL) March 11, 2024
Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn made his impact early as the new head coach of the Washington Commanders by adding two Dallas starters.
The first was a three-year deal for Dorance Armstrong at a maximum value of $45 million.
Later in the day Monday, Quinn also brought in former Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz on a three-year deal with an average annual value of $10 million.
Cowboys C Tyler Biadasz agreed to a contract with Commanders, a person familiar with deal said. He is the first but probably not last Cowboys player to follow Dan Quinn to Washington.
Biadasz a respected veteran who saved two turnovers in 2023 with his motor to cover and finish. pic.twitter.com/ZdC9qJOTsN
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 11, 2024
Armstrong had a career-high 8.5 sacks in 2022 He added 7.5 last season despite playing 97 fewer snaps than he did in 2022.
With the Cowboys, he was credited with 169 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 94 quarterback pressures, 4 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles and 5 fumble recoveries. He also blocked two punts and a field goal.
I had a feeling Armstrong was going to sign with Washington even before free agency started. The Cowboys have a solid defensive rotation. Armstrong wanted to be an every down pass rusher, but it made sense to follow his former play caller.
Biasasz on the other hand, I didn’t see coming. $30 million dollars is an overpay for him, so that is fine, I just didn’t see him going to Washington.
Dorance Armstrong and Tyler Biadasz both off to Washington. https://t.co/dgVbVpwmBT
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 11, 2024
Another need for Dallas on the offensive line, that is likely to lose Tyron Smith at some point this month also.
They will more than likely address that in the draft, which I am okay with. Everywhere else in need should come from proven players who are open to be signed.
Don’t Be Fooled
Don’t be fooled by the front office, if this team wanted to be active in the first couple of days and make a splash move, they could. It really is not that hard to understand.
All they have to do is get a deal done with Dak Prescott and or CeeDee Lamb and can open nearly $50 Million!
This front office bothers me man.
Jerry Jones always talking about they are going to go “all-in,” this season. Yet when it comes time to do something he is nowhere to be found.
He is the problem with this team, not anyone else.
All these condensers are loading up. Eagles sign Saquon Barkley, the Jags sign Gabe Davis, Packers sign Josh Jacobs.
What Is Next?
With Pollard now gone, the Packers released Aaron Jones. He is from Texas, grew up a Cowboys fan. Played for head coach Mike McCarthy for a few years in Green Bay. Pick up the phone and get him to Dallas, Jerry.
Cowboys should go get Aaron Jones
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 11, 2024
This team will be lucky to win 7 games next season if they don’t add any talent at all. All the contenders in NFC are going to get better while the Cowboys sit around and wait for a guy they can sign at the veteran minimum. All because they don’t care about winning.
We know how this front office works. Yet at the same time you can’t act like you are sick of losing after the playoffs and want to go all in and do nothing on the first day.
Maybe by the time anyone reads this they will have made some moves, but I doubt it.
Still a long way do go and some great players out there. I will check back in next week when the Cowboys free agency really starts because we know Jerry loves to wait to get the price to come down.