Cowboys Free Agency & Trade Splurge: How It Changes Dallas' NFL Draft Plans
The Dallas Cowboys had needs to address entering this free agency period, and in the span of two weeks, all had been ticked off.
In what CowboysSI.com likes to call "calculated aggressiveness," Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks were traded in, while a host of starters on both sides of the ball will return in 2023 ... and all come in at costs that are team-friendly.
Such has been the nature of Dallas' free agency splurge, the franchise will enter the NFL Draft in a favorable position as the team doesn't have a "pressing need" at any position.
What does that mean for the draft?
Dallas can now select the best possible player ("Best Player Available, BPA'') when it comes time to pluck names from its draft board to turn into the NFL. That "BPA'' can in theory now be a "luxury item.''
But who could that be?
Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson has been floated. However, given the running back room already consists of the tagged Tony Pollard, the newly acquired Ronald Jones, Malik Davis, and Rico Dowdle? Well, it's quite crowded.
It is also unlikely that Robinson will last until pick No. 26, the Cowboys' selection slot. But "luxury'' and BPA? Bijan fits.
One position that that Dallas might try and strengthen is tight end. Despite having two rookies in Peyton Hendershot and Jake Ferguson ready to take over from Dalton Schultz, some have Dallas taking a tight end in the first round.
With Darnell Washington, Michael Meyers, Dalton Kincaid and Sam LaPorta, it is a deep draft for tight ends.
Any of those above would likely slot into the Cowboys' offense and do fine job, with Washington now getting a lot of buzz. And again, this would be a "luxury'' more than a "need.''
Dallas finds itself in a good position right now. Free agency went as planned - and more - as the Cowboys added weapons on both sides of the ball, and now as the NFL Draft approaches, the Cowboys can use their top pick on a "player'' rather than on a "position.''
That's the beauty of spending, even just a bit, in the first two weeks of the NFL business year. What Dallas bought was more than just players who are veterans. What Dallas bought was options regarding players who will be rookies.
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