Following the Cowboys’ disappointing wild card outing against the 49ers at AT&T Stadium, the time has come to prepare for next season. Although there is still time to make these decisions, we must begin to take action with respect to the elements that will be free agents of hierarchy. Those players who under any circumstances cannot be let go. Mind you, making smart moves to avoid salary-cap issues.
Now, the Cowboys are going to face the 2022 campaign with a total of 21 players who will go to free agency without any restrictions. Not exactly the best news, considering how tight-knit a group this year was despite the abrupt exit from the playoffs. Either way, that’s the game, and on a roster as broad as football, not everyone is going to stay. Whether for performance or money reasons, some are going to have to go.
Dallas Cowboys’ 21 unrestricted free agents: pic.twitter.com/AGD4dU1pl3
– Jon Machota (onjonmachota) January 18, 2022
Therefore, it is necessary to see what are the elements that should be left for the next campaign. Players who were already in their contract year this 2021 or who in any case had one-season contracts and have left an excellent performance.
On the defense side, clearly the most important element to retain for 2022 would have to be defensive end Randy Gregory. It is true that thanks to his penalties the team also suffered in the duel against the 49ers, but he is a de rigueur player for pass rushing along with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
Dallas defense comin’… #DallasCowboys
????: #DALvsNE on CBS
????: NFL app pic.twitter.com/6if8FuCtNP— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2021
Finishing this season with six sacks, three fumbles and one fumble recovery, Gregory has become an integral part of the team. Where despite his history of suspensions, this last season has proven his worth. As far as his case is concerned, it is likely that because of the support Jerry Jones has given him all these years despite the circumstances, he will accept an amicable contract with the organization. This way, it wouldn’t affect the team’s salary cap as much and Randy would stay with the franchise.
Another perfect example is Jayron Kearse, a veteran safety who came to the team after being part of the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad. Few could have imagined the great level with which the defensive back would end. Being key with two interceptions, a fumble recovery and 101 combined tackles.
Some great camera angles on that Jayron Kearse interception pic.twitter.com/jBM7Sd6Xc2
– Jon Machota (onjonmachota) December 3, 2021
Along with them, we have other cases, like those of linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and defensive tackle Carlos Watkins. In LVE’s case, the organization opted out of the fifth-year option in large part due to his injuries from 2019-20. However, the linebacker remained a constant on the team. Playing the entire season and managing to have 77 combined tackles, a sack and an interception.
In the case of Watkins, his contract was for one year and we will have to see what the future holds. “I really do not know. I’m just going to get over the depressive stage right now,” Watkins said. “It’s hard, I really didn’t want it to end this way, but it’s part of the game.”
FAT GUY TD by Carlos Watkinspic.twitter.com/W8mdP0mZWe
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) December 3, 2021
Speaking of the offense, with Michael Gallup’s injuries this season, it’s likely the organization will go for something else at receiver. This could be Cedrick Wilson Jr., who finished the season with 45 receptions for 602 yards and six touchdowns. Plus, his ability to make a variety of plays is something Dallas is going to want for next year. He completed three throws for 88 yards, and already in 2020 he had actually had a touchdown. It is one of those elements of rigor that could stay. But like everyone else, you have to keep waiting.
Cedrick Wilson delivered a DIME. #DallasCowboys @cedwilson95
????: #DALvsMIN on NBC
????: https://t.co/vo1pze9aC5 pic.twitter.com/CAyD2w0rzJ— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2021
Another case is tight end Dalton Schultz. Already in the contract year, he looked even better than in 2020. With Blake Jarwin’s constant injuries, he took over the position without problems. However, despite not being characterized as a blocker, he got very good numbers helping on offense. He would finish this season with 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. Without a doubt, it is someone to point out that should be maintained in 2022.
Dalton Schultz caught that 32-yard TD pass from Dak ????????#DallasCowboys #NFLSpanishpic.twitter.com/hcjjbvgl6l
— NFL in Spanish (@NFLEspanol) November 26, 2021
Last but not least, we have the case of Bryan Anger. The punter will be part of the Pro Bowl for the 2021 campaign, and Dallas has been the team where the player has really been able to shine. He stayed consistently and reliably on the field, not having any trouble changing positions on the field. And as you could see in the duel against the 49ers, the punter can even make passing plays and disguise them without getting complicated. This is something to keep in mind, as the Cowboys must not lose the advantage they now have with their special teams. Despite the criticism, the work of the coordinator John Fassel has been very good and has given a face to a group that was in oblivion.
COWBOYS FAKE PUNT. #DallasCowboys #SuperWildCard
????: #SFvsDAL on CBS/NICK/Prime Video
????: NFL app pic.twitter.com/rn44gP2IxC— NFL (@NFL) January 17, 2022
On the other hand, we must see the aspect referring to the organization’s coaches. It’s no secret to anyone that several NFL teams want the services of both Kellen Moore and Dan Quinn. In fact, Moore was already interviewed by the Jaguars before their Week 18 game against the Eagles. Which the Denver Broncos also did. It should be noted that both interviews have been for the position of head coach.
Something similar in the case of Dan Quinn, who already interviewed with the Broncos on Tuesday for the same position and will do the same on Wednesday with the Vikings. In McCarthy’s case, Stephen Jones on Monday assured that the process will continue with him as head coach. But regarding Moore and Quinn, nothing is written yet.
After Dan Quinn interviews with Denver today he’s got Minnesota scheduled for Wednesday.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) January 19, 2022
With the end of the season for the Cowboys, now all the strong decisions will come to keep some elements and others that will not be able to. There will be rumours, speculations, but the Lone Star team is expected to make the necessary resolutions to keep up the good work in 2022. And with the flaws that were seen this campaign, polish them and not fall back into the same. This season was special and there was much more, but the results were not achieved. Hopefully in the future things can improve once and for all.
