The Athletic has live coverage of the NFL combine.
Every year the Dallas Cowboys go into NFL Scouting Combine week with different storylines. Sometimes it’s more about how they can improve their roster with a high pick in each round. In other years it’s more about key free agents, contract issues or coaching changes. The Cowboys have a little bit of everything this year.
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To give you an idea of what I’m thinking about as I travel to Indianapolis for the week, here are 10 Cowboys topics I’ve been focused on getting more information. If there’s anything on your mind that’s not mentioned, please include it in the comment section below.
1. What does going ‘all in’ mean?
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said those words late last month during Senior Bowl week. But he didn’t get into details. He could give more this week when he meets with reporters. To most, saying “all in” means a more aggressive offseason approach, particularly in acquiring veteran talent via trade or free agency. Over the last four seasons, it’s been clear which NFC teams have been “all in” — the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 2021 Los Angeles Rams, the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles and the 2023 San Francisco 49ers. The roster moves each made were aggressive and separated them from the rest of the pack. And all four ended up representing the NFC in the Super Bowl. If the Cowboys are going “all in” with acquiring talent, everyone will know by their actions over the next month.
2. What are their top priorities in the draft?
As the roster currently sits, the Cowboys’ biggest needs are linebacker, defensive tackle, left tackle, center and running back. Some of those, if not all, will be addressed in some way during free agency. And the depth of this draft class at certain positions could play a part. For example, it doesn’t appear that there is a running back or linebacker prospect expected to be drafted in the first round. There’s just not that type of elite, top-end talent at those positions. On the other hand, offensive tackle appears to be a deep group. If there was a betting line set on what position group would be addressed with the Cowboys’ first-round pick, the offensive line would be the favorite. Their left tackle or center of the future could be selected with the 24th overall pick.
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3. What’s the latest on contract talks with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons?
Prescott’s situation has to be the top offseason priority. There’s unlikely to be many “all in” moves made if he enters the final year of his deal, counting nearly $60 million toward the 2024 cap. Lamb is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. Getting an extension completed with their star wide receiver will also help move money around so more moves can be made to improve the roster. Parsons is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal, so there is still the opportunity to exercise the fifth-year option through 2025. But it’s a good bet that he’d be cheaper to re-sign now as opposed to a year from now if he has another huge year.
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4. Do they plan on keeping Michael Gallup?
He has three years remaining on his contract, but the Cowboys could choose to release him and save about $800,000 toward their 2024 cap. He’s the most noteworthy player on the roster who could be a cap casualty. If they think Jalen Tolbert has already passed Gallup in terms of value, parting ways with Gallup and going younger at the wide receiver position is a real possibility.
5. What is the offensive line plan?
LT Tyron Smith and C Tyler Biadasz are unrestricted free agents. The offensive line has dropped off in recent years. Upgrades are needed. It’s a decent bet that Smith could return on a somewhat team-friendly, one-year deal. Biadasz is unlikely to do the same. If he signs elsewhere, center will probably need to be addressed early in the draft. What is the plan for Tyler Smith? When he was drafted, the thought was he’d eventually be the team’s starting left tackle. However, things have been going so well at left guard, they might not want to move him.
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6. Is there any more clarity on what to expect from the defense?
Mike Zimmer didn’t provide much detail about his plans for the defense during his introductory news conference two weeks ago. But it’ll be interesting to see what can be gathered during the week in Indianapolis. Is Parsons going to play more off-the-ball linebacker or will his role be similar to the last three seasons? Do they think they can bring back veteran free agents CB Stephon Gilmore and DT Johnathan Hankins? If not, what is the plan to fill out the starting lineup at corner and tackle? What other noticeable changes will we see on the field with Zimmer calling the shots?
7. What has Jerry Jones been able to gain from having Jimmy Johnson on his ‘advisory board’?
Johnson revealed that during a recent radio interview. It might not mean much, but it’ll be interesting to hear what Jones has thought about bouncing ideas off of Johnson. And who else is on this board?
8. Is there a real interest in signing a veteran running back?
You’ve probably seen or heard the scenarios. From Derrick Henry to Saquon Barkley, if there’s a notable running back available, it seems like some expert is trying to pair them with Dallas. While those two might be too expensive for the Cowboys, what about bringing back Tony Pollard or Ezekiel Elliott? Is there interest? If so, how much? Or, is the plan centered on going younger and improving the position in the draft?
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9. What are the expectations for Mazi Smith in Year 2?
It’s no secret that his rookie season was a disappointment. The Cowboys used a first-round pick on the former Michigan standout to address their biggest area of need — defensive tackle. A year later and the position still needs help. Is a significant second-year jump from Smith realistic? Does Zimmer plan to use him any differently?
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10. What are the expectations for Trey Lance?
The Cowboys sent this year’s fourth-round pick to San Francisco in exchange for Lance. They obviously think he has something to offer. He’s expected to get a lot of important work during organized team activities, minicamp and training camp. But how are the Cowboys feeling right now about Lance’s future? Do they see him as an eventual starter? He’s entering the fourth year of his rookie contract.
(Top photo of Dak Prescott: Matthew Pearce / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
