5 free agents Cowboys should target ahead of training camp ft. Michael Thomas
The Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones promised to be all-in for 2024 but ahead of training camp, they might need some free agents to shore up some areas of need. They have depth concerns on both offense and defense that they need to patch up. Here are some prospective players who can address those needs.
Free agents to help Cowboys ahead of 2024 training camp
#1 - Stephon Gilmore, CB
This is the most obvious choice to go with. He spent last year with the Cowboys and held his own with Trevon Diggs injured. One could argue that with the latter back and DaRon Bland being an interception machine on the other side, there is no need for another cornerback.
But DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs are very similar players, who are very good at intercepting routes and getting interceptions. But when they miss, they can often lead to explosive plays behind them. A steady presence like Stephon Gilmore to complement them on the depth chart would give them options.
#2 - Dalvin Cook, RB
The running back situation is the obvious weak spot for the Cowboys entering training camp. Their first-choice player in that position is Ezekiel Elliott, who was not good enough for them one year ago and was allowed to go and sign with the New England Patriots. Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn are the other two players. It's safe to say they have not adequately replaced Tony Pollard.
In the merry-go-round that accompanied running backs in free agency, Pollard went to the Titans to replace Derrick Henry, who moved to the Ravens. The man Henry effectively replaced is Dalvin Cook, who happens to be a free agent now. He was with the Jets last year before moving to Baltimore for the postseason.
The four-time Pro Bowler was putting up a 1,000-yard rushing season as soon as 2022. Last season, he did not get the reps he needed after being overshadowed by Breece Hall in New York. He could be a fantastic addition to the Cowboys before the training camp. It is a position that even they acknowledge needs to be filled and they tried out John Lovett, who was playing in the UFL before this.
#3 - Michael Thomas, WR
Another area where the Cowboys might need to add some depth before training camp begins is at wide receiver. While CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks are undisputed starters, Jalen Tolbert has not really broken out since being drafted by Dallas in 2022. He had 268 yards over 17 games last season and was not frequently targeted.
Even Michael Thomas, far from his glory years, added 448 yards in 10 games last season. He is not the player he was in 2019 when he won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. And he has played 20 games in the last four years, raising questions about his fitness. But after 10 games in the three seasons from 2020 to 2020, he played the same number of games in 2023.
It might be an indication that he is on the mend and can provide the strength and nous intermediate routes, while also becoming a mentor for Jalen Tolbert. These are the kind of deals that Jerry Jones typically favors.
#4 - Linval Joseph, DT
Anyone who saw the Packers shred the Cowboys' defense in the running game in the playoffs last year knows they have a weakness in run defense that could be exploited. Adding someone like Linval Joseph could help rectify that situation.
He is a long-time veteran of the league and is unlikely to be a starter who plays all 17 regular season games. But he can add valuable depth and nous. He can train the younger guys and step up in tough situations, having experienced winning a Super Bowl.
He also had two Pro Bowl nominations during his time with the Vikings. His head coach at that time was Mike Zimmer, who is now the defensive coordinator in Dallas. His knowledge of his schemes could prove invaluable as they embark on the post-Dan Quinn era.
#5 - Yannick Ngakoue, DE
The Cowboys tried out defensive end Jonathan Garvin, defensive end Wyatt Ray, and defensive end Derick Roberson prior to training camp. For anybody missing the obvious link from the previous sentence, it means that Dallas is worried about its depth in that position.
One player who could really help them is Yannick Ngakoue. While he had just four sacks last season, his tackling statistics remained up to his usual benchmark of more than 20 combined tackles per season. He has also been a reliable performer, rarely missing any game time. In fact, the most he has missed in a season is four matches, which was last year due to a broken ankle in Week 14.
Perhaps that is why he has not heard back from another NFL team yet, but if the Cowboys are trying out UFL players, then there is no harm in trying out a veteran former Pro Bowler.