It’s almost time for the Cowboys to begin their preparation for the 2023 NFL season. After signing kicker Brandon Aubrey earlier in the week, Dallas has just one spot to fill on its 90-player roster. And while the front office has filled the roster’s needs during free agency, there are some that still require urgent attention.
Here’s a look at three positions the Cowboys need to bolster soon. Not just ahead of training camp in Oxnard, but already thinking about the regular season.
offensive guard
One of the big questions right now is who will be Dallas’ starting left guard this year. After Connor McGovern’s departure for Buffalo, the cowboy team was left with a vacancy to fill. This, it is worth mentioning, despite the arrival of Chuma Edoga in free agency.
On paper, Dallas’ starting offensive line this season would be this: Tyron Smith and Terence Steele at tackle, Tyler Smith and Zack Martin at guards, and Tyler Biadasz at center. Let’s not forget, though, that Steele is still recovering from a knee injury that could lead to Tyron Smith taking his place at right. And, in turn, a Tyron drop could force Tyler Smith to play left tackle.
As we can see, the Cowboys are one injury away from having problems with their offensive line. It’s true that Dallas has a lot of depth elements in that demarcation. But many of them are young and inexperienced, and this does not generate much confidence.
Returning to the left guard position, the title will be at stake among several candidates. Matt Farniok would be the favorite theorist, but his backup center status encourages you not to take that risk. Chuma Edoga and Josh Ball would be the other options, this without ruling out another possible position change experiment. Or, use Tyler Smith in said position.
If Dallas decides to beef up with a backup lineman, there are several options in free agency. For many analysts, Dalton Risner (former Broncos) would be the main option. Even Jason Peters would be okay with playing in Dallas again because of its proximity to his home. But, due to the winds that are blowing, the leadership will only reinforce this position with a veteran if an emergency warrants it.
The Dallas Cowboys should pursue free agent LG Dalton Risner.@Cowboys_Squad explains why: https://t.co/LQy6DDHy5c pic.twitter.com/dNDdUnbGYr
— Chris Halling (@Cowboys_Squad) June 13, 2023
Linebacker
As with their offensive linemen, the Cowboys have several linebackers with little (or no) NFL experience. Other than Micah Parsons, who will play more of a pass-rusher, Dallas has Leighton Vander Esch as the only guarantee LB. And this supposes a risky bet in defense.
It’s true that Jabril Cox (2021 draftee), along with Damone Clark and Devin Harper (2022 draftees) could shine this year. Likewise, rookies DeMarvion Overshown and Isaiah Land would be under the microscope. However, the Cowboys will likely have to add a veteran linebacker sooner or later. Not only as a mentor for the youth, but also as a reinforcement.
In free agency, Deion Jones (ex Browns and Falcons), Kwon Alexander (ex Jets) would be the top options. Even the return of Anthony Barr would be an alternative. There are not as many candidates as in other positions, but it could still be considered. This, of course, unless Dallas tries to “fish” reinforcements after the roster cuts at the end of August.
Cowboys Linked to Signing ‘Dan Quinn Guy’ Deion Jones; LB Needed? https://t.co/3mb2lQPjc2 via @DallasCowboysFN
— Cowboys Country on Fan Nation (@DallasCowboysFN) June 28, 2023
Kicker
It’s true that the Cowboys filled their kicking needs recently by signing Brandon Aubrey. In this way, the USFL champion will be the one who competes with Tristan Vizcaíno for the title in the position.
However, neither of them inspires enough confidence to be a guaranteed option. At least not right now. Despite spending two years in the USFL, Aubrey is a former soccer player with no college kicking experience. Meanwhile, Vizcaíno has already gone through several teams in the NFL, seeing little action in general.
Logically, it will not be until Oxnard that both prove their worth. However, it is not ruled out that what happened in 2022 could be repeated. On that occasion, Lirim Hajrullahu and Jonathan Garibay arrived in Oxnard as candidates for the position. After none convinced, the team opted for the return of Brett Maher after his departure in 2019. And although Maher stood out during the season, the leadership decided not to renew him due to his failures in the playoffs.
If Vizcaíno or Aubrey do not convince, the Cowboys would have to look again for a kicker with certain guarantees in the middle of the preseason. Unlike 2022, there are standout veterans still available like Robbie Gould (ex-49ers) and Mason Crosby (ex-Packers) among others. However, Dallas may prefer a low-cost option rather than pay a little more for someone who provides more peace of mind.
Former #Packers PK Mason Crosby is ready to kick in 2023 if — and when — teams start calling. My story at @ForbesSports https://t.co/CuC4tHBL75
— Rob Reischel (@robreischel) June 30, 2023
Knowing the Cowboys, it’s very likely that the final roster spot will be filled by a depth player rather than a backup booster. As we mentioned before, that type of reinforcement will only come in case of an injury or urgent need during camp or the regular season. This, of course, without ruling out any opportunity that arises after the final cuts of other teams after the preseason.
2023-07-09 21:26:10
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