3 biggest needs for Dallas Cowboys during 2023 NFL offseason
The Dallas Cowboys ended their 2022 NFL season almost the same way as their previous year. Their quest for a Super Bowl fell short once again by way of an early exit from the NFL Playoffs at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. While they advanced one round further by earning a postseason victory, apparently that's not quite good enough for Jerry Jones.
The Cowboys owner has been extremely vocal about his opinion of the way the roster is currently constructed. After all, he's the one who built it, as he also serves as the team's general manager. He has consistently stated over the last couple of years that he believes this team is good enough to win a Super Bowl ring. Early exits from the playoffs are unacceptable in his eyes.
The relative disappointment has already led to some major changes for the Cowboys ahead of the 2023 NFL season. They have officially moved on from offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and announced that head coach Mike McCarthy will be calling the plays moving forward. This structural change gets the ball rolling, but they will need to do more than that to achieve their goal of a Vince Lombardi trophy.
News: The #Cowboys will have Mike McCarthy call plays going forward and the team is parting ways with OC Kellen Moore, per @DavidMooreDMN
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While the Cowboys roster is loaded with talent, they have a few areas that need to be addressed during the 2023 NFL offseason to maximize their potential for their upcoming campaign. They can do so in the 2023 NFL Draft, in the free agency period, and in the trade market. Here are their three biggest needs this year.
#1 Wide Receiver
Adding another wide receiver for Dak Prescott in the passing game is one of the most important things the Cowboys must do in 2023. While CeeDee Lamb has emerged as one of the best players in the NFL at the position, they lack a true number two option. They have failed to replace Amari Cooper since trading him away to the Cleveland Browns.
Michael Gallup hasn't quite stepped up as a reliable option, lacking production and being hampered by injuries. They also signed TY Hilton, but he's not much more than a depth piece towards the end of his career. They have been associated with many rumors involving Odell Beckham Jr., who is still a free agent. Whether it be Bekham or someone else, Prescott would benefit from another established weapon.
#2 Cornerback
Trevon Diggs led the entire NFL in interceptions during the 2021 NFL season. He established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league and a serious threat to opposing quarterbacks. This led many teams to avoid him whenever possible in their offensive gameplans during the 2022 NFL season, limiting his opportunities at game-changing plays.
Adding another solid outside cornerback could elevate the Cowboys defense to another level. It has been one of the glaring weak spots in the much-improved unit under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Addressing this issue could elevate them from a good defense to an elite one.
#3 Offensive Line
The Cowboys' signature over the last several years has been their dominant offensive line. It allows their offense to control games by running the ball consistently and effectively, while wearing down opposing defenses. Their blocking unit has been great in recent years, but could take several hits during the 2023 NFL offseason.
All-Pro tackle Tyron Smith is rumored to be on his way out of Dallas as a potential salary cap casualty. Two additional starters, Connor McGovern and Terrence Steele, are each pending free agency. This is a major concern that needs to be addressed immediately.