Cowboys Lose Longest Tenured Player As Team Continues Free Agency Slum

Brian Schottenheimer

The Dallas Cowboys have not exactly made a splash in the past few days, as the tampering period of free agency opened on Monday, followed by the actual start of free agency on Wednesday afternoon.

Generally, criticism has come due to the Cowboys’ reluctance to add high-end fresh blood to the team.

However, Dallas’ free agency woes continue on Wednesday as reports emerged that the Seattle Seahawks have signed DeMarcus Lawrence; the Cowboys’ longest tenured player after the retirement of guard, Zack Martin; to a three year deal – per Tom Pelissero.

Four-time Pro Bowl DE DeMarcus Lawrence is signing a three-year deal worth up to $42 million with the #Seahawks, his agents @davidcanter and @nessmugrabi of @aurasportsgroup tell The Insiders. He gets $18M guaranteed.

Lawrence reunites with Seahawks defensive coordinator, Aden Durde, who was once the defensive line coach in Dallas.

Although $14 million/year is a significant amount of money to dish out to a pass rusher going into his age-33 season, this represents Dallas once again failing to show their competitive edge on the open market.

The team has, in fairness, stepped its game up on Wednesday, at the start of the new league, year, trading for both corner, Kair Elam and linebacker, Kenneth Murray – utilizing their numerous compensatory picks in 2025, received due to free agent departures last offseason.

Where Does The Cowboys’ Pass Rush Stand?

Although DeMarcus Lawrence was a starter on the Cowboys’ defensive line, his productivity had begun to wane over the past few seasons.

In fact, since signing a monster (at the time) 5 year, $105 million contract in March 2019, the former second round pick has not generated more than six sacks in a season for the Cowboys – despite four of those seasons being uninterrupted by injury.

Dallas will probably slot in the talented Sam Williams at defensive end, who is coming off a season-ending ACL tear in August 2024, opposite Micah Parsons, in a rotation that also includes now-second year rookie, Marshawn Kneeland.

Both Kneeland and Williams have had their moments. But one – or both – will need to up their game if they are to not be a weak point on what is an otherwise potent Cowboys starting d-line of Parsons, Osa Odighizuwa – who just re-signed on a long term deal – and former first round talent, Mazi Smith.

The Cowboys Have Partially Addressed The Unit In Free Agency

New free agency additions, Payton Turner and Solomon Thomas will add roster depth at defensive end and tackle respectively, but neither is likely to have a considerable impact on the overall dynamics of the defensive line play this coming season.

Unless, of course, Thomas can finally push through and find a way to become the sort destructive player whose talent saw him get drafted #3 overall back in 2017.

There are still other viable veteran options on the market, including Za’Darius Smith, Azeez Ojulari and Dante Fowler Jr., but unless Dallas can figure out a way to get a true top-end edge rusher opposite Micah Parsons, the organization would likely prefer to develop their talented up-and-comers.

 Dallas Cowboys legend Everson Walls officially voted into the pro Football Hall of Fame…

The wait is finally over! Dallas Cowboys legend Everson Walls has officially been voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the greatest defensive backs in NFL history.

Walls, a true icon of the Cowboys’ “Doomsday Defense,” built an incredible career defined by his elite ball-hawking skills, leadership, and clutch performances. Known for his knack for creating turnovers, Walls led the NFL in interceptions three times (1981, 1982, 1985) and finished his career with 57 interceptions, one of the highest totals in league history.

Undrafted out of Grambling State, Walls proved the doubters wrong from the very start. He made an immediate impact as a rookie in 1981, leading the NFL with 11 interceptions—a record that still stands for first-year players. His ability to read quarterbacks and make game-changing plays made him a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense throughout the 1980s.

Beyond his time in Dallas, Walls continued his legacy with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, even helping the Giants win Super Bowl XXV in the 1990 season. His contributions to the game extended beyond his playing days, as he remained an influential figure in the football community.

With this long-overdue Hall of Fame selection, Walls now takes his rightful place among football immortals in Canton, Ohio. His induction is a testament to his incredible career, perseverance, and lasting impact on the game.

Cowboys send strong 4-Word message to describe $62 million free agent

The Dallas Cowboys missed the playoffs in 2024 after an injury to Dak Prescott essentially ended their chances of making a late-season run. They will have to ensure they bring back some key players this offseason if they want to be ready when Prescott returns.

Osa Odighizuwa is one of the Cowboys’ key players hitting free agency. Co-owner Stephan Jones told The Dallas Morning News’ David Moore what the Cowboys think of Odighizuwa.

“He’s an important piece,” said Jones.

Spotrac projects him to sign a three-year, $62 million deal in free agency. Last season he posted a career high with 4.5 sacks. He also played a career-high 860 snaps last season. He has 13.5 career sacks and 28 tackles for a loss in 63 starts in his career.

The Cowboys could use a franchise or transition tag on Odighizuwa. The franchise stage for Odighizuwa would cost $23.4 million while the transition tag would be $18.9 million. The transition tag would also give the Cowboys the right of first refusal. Jones has not ruled out tagging Odighizuwa. He also noted he would like a clear answer by the time the Cowboys leave Indianapolis after the combine.

“It’s a tool,” Jones told Morre. “It’s something we haven’t ruled out using.”

Losing Odighizuwa would be a big loss for the Cowboys defense. However, their biggest priority on that side of the ball will be extending Micah Parsons.

BREAKING NEWS: Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett who is Now a sports analyst for NBC Sports, sent message to Brian Schottenheimer concerning….

In a surprising development that is sure to spark intrigue among Dallas Cowboys fans and the broader NFL community, former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, now a prominent sports analyst for NBC Sports, has sent a pointed message to current Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Garrett, who spent nearly a decade as the head coach of the Cowboys before transitioning to his current role as a broadcaster, reached out to Schottenheimer regarding the future of the Cowboys’ offense and the adjustments needed as the team aims to reclaim its place among NFL contenders.

Garrett’s message, sent through a private channel but reportedly shared among key individuals close to the Cowboys organization, stressed the importance of consistency, adaptability, and maintaining a balanced offensive approach in order to succeed in the increasingly competitive NFC.

A Message About Adaptability
Sources close to Garrett revealed that his communication with Schottenheimer was both constructive and personal, offering advice and perspective gained from years of leading the Cowboys’ offense. Garrett, who has been critical of some of the team’s offensive struggles in recent seasons, shared his thoughts on the need to evolve in a rapidly changing league while remaining true to the Cowboys’ identity.

“Brian, I know you’ve got the tools to succeed with this offense,” Garrett reportedly wrote in the message. “But the key to turning this thing around is adaptability. The NFL is shifting, and the best teams are the ones that can evolve—especially in the postseason. Stick to the run game, but don’t be afraid to take some calculated risks in the passing game, too. Dak Prescott is a top-tier QB, and you’ve got to let him be the leader we know he can be.”

The message comes at a time when the Cowboys are under significant pressure to improve offensively after a season marked by inconsistent playcalling, missed opportunities in crucial games, and an inability to break through in the playoffs. Despite boasting a strong roster on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys’ offense has often failed to live up to expectations, especially in key moments.

Garrett, who spent 9 years as the Cowboys’ head coach (2010-2019), was known for his methodical, disciplined approach to offense, often emphasizing the run game and a controlled passing attack. While his tenure ended without the playoff success many fans had hoped for, his experience leading one of the NFL’s most high-profile teams gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in Dallas.

Schottenheimer’s Challenge
Brian Schottenheimer, who was hired as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator in 2024, faces a daunting task in restoring consistency to the offense. Schottenheimer, a well-respected offensive mind with experience as both a coordinator and quarterbacks coach, was brought in to revamp an offense that underperformed despite having one of the league’s most talented rosters. Quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks, and running back Tony Pollard all have the potential to be explosive, yet the offense often sputtered, particularly in critical moments.

Schottenheimer has already been working to implement a more balanced approach, but he faces pressure from fans, ownership, and the media to turn things around quickly. The Cowboys’ offense, which struggled with rhythm and consistency during the 2024 season, must find a way to support Prescott and take advantage of the team’s offensive weapons.

Garrett’s message to Schottenheimer highlights some of the challenges the new coordinator faces and offers insight into the mindset of a former head coach who is intimately familiar with the spotlight and scrutiny that comes with leading the Cowboys. Garrett’s advice to strike a balance between the running and passing game echoes one of his core philosophies during his time in Dallas: the importance of maintaining a strong foundation in the ground game while giving the quarterback the freedom to lead when necessary.

Garrett’s New Role as Analyst
Since stepping down from his position as Cowboys head coach, Garrett has found a second career as a respected NFL analyst for NBC Sports, offering in-depth analysis on both pregame shows and postgame breakdowns. His ability to break down the X’s and O’s of the game, combined with his extensive experience in Dallas, has made him a sought-after voice in the world of sports broadcasting. Garrett’s analysis often carries weight, particularly when discussing the Cowboys, a team he spent much of his career with both as a player and as a coach.

While Garrett has occasionally been critical of his former team from his analyst’s perch, his message to Schottenheimer shows that he is still deeply invested in the Cowboys’ success and that his connection to the franchise remains strong. Many fans and analysts alike have wondered whether Garrett might one day return to coaching, either with the Cowboys or another team, but for now, it seems that his focus is on offering valuable insight from the broadcast booth.

The Cowboys’ Road Ahead
As the Cowboys look ahead to the 2025 season, Schottenheimer’s ability to implement a successful offensive system will be a major storyline. With Dak Prescott at the helm, the offense has the potential to be one of the league’s most dynamic, but consistency and timely execution will be key to achieving postseason success. Garrett’s message underscores the importance of giving Prescott the tools he needs to succeed while also sticking to a balanced, physical style of play that will allow the offense to thrive.

Dallas fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their team’s journey, with hopes that Schottenheimer can reignite the offensive spark that has too often been absent in big games. Garrett’s words of wisdom, though unofficial, provide a much-needed perspective for Schottenheimer as he looks to navigate the challenges of calling plays for a high-profile team like the Cowboys.

As the NFL season draws nearer, the spotlight will remain on the Cowboys’ offense, and whether Schottenheimer can implement the right system to take them to the next level.

Conclusion
Jason Garrett’s unexpected message to Brian Schottenheimer is a reminder of the deep connection many former coaches still have with their old teams, especially when those teams are as high-profile and scrutinized as the Dallas Cowboys. Garrett’s advice, grounded in years of experience, could play a pivotal role in shaping the Cowboys’ offensive future.

For Schottenheimer, the challenge now is clear: adapt, innovate, and lead a talented but inconsistent offense to greatness. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether the Cowboys can meet the high expectations placed on them, with the legacy of their former head coach—now a prominent analyst—casting a long shadow over their journey.

Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Predicted to Land Former 1,700-Yard Award Winning Star Playmaker

The Dallas Cowboys need to make a move at running back.

The Dallas Cowboys face a decision at running back heading into 2025. Dallas already cut ties with veteran Ezekiel Elliott before the 2024 season ended.

Last season’s starter Rico Dowdle is heading into NFL free agency in the coming weeks. This presents a massive hole at the position for the Cowboys to address this offseason.

The most obvious solution is through the NFL draft. Many NFL mock drafts predict the Cowboys will take a big swing at Boise State Broncos star Ashton Jeanty with the No. 12 pick. Yet, Dallas could also address the position later in the draft.

One player coming off a down season is Oklahoma State Cowboys standout Ollie Gordon II. The running back was once mentioned among the top running back prospects in the 2025 draft class, but Gordon is now widely projected to be a Day 3 selection.

USA Today’s K.D. Drummond’s latest NFL mock draft has the Cowboys selecting Gordon in the sixth round with the No. 188 pick.

Here’s what you need to know about Gordon as a potential fit for the Cowboys.

NFL Draft 2025: Potential Cowboys Target Ollie Gordon Had a Massive Drop Off in Production in 2024

Gordon had a stellar 2023 campaign posting 285 carries for 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns in 14 appearances in 2024. The playmaker also added 39 receptions for 330 yards and a TD through the air.

Gordon’s 2023 production resulted in numerous honors, including being named an All-American and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Things in 2024 did not go as planned for either Oklahoma State or Gordon.

The running back failed to top 1,000 yards and dropped from 6.1 yards per carry to 4.6 yards in 2024. Gordon posted 190 carries for 880 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. The Oklahoma State star added 29 catches for 179 yards and a TD.

Star RB Ollie Gordon Could Be a Buy Low Opportunity for the Cowboys

Early in the 2024 college football season, Brugler outlined why Gordon is not a lock as an NFL prospect. Yet, Gordon’s upside could be too enticing for the Cowboys to pass up if available later in the draft.

“Though he is a well-built athlete, Gordon is very much a finesse runner, especially as a finisher,” Brugler wrote on September 10, 2024, story titled, “Which 2025 NFL Draft prospects caught our expert’s eye in Week 2?” “He is a 215-pound back who often runs like he weighs 195 pounds — and I mean that as both a compliment and criticism.

“Gordon is always trying to avoid contact, which is part of what makes him so productive. But there are plenty of situations where you’d like to see your running back lower his pads and drive through defenders instead,” Brugler continued.

“Gordon is more likely to stay upright, though, which can cause him to lose life in his lower body and go backwards. This isn’t a toughness issue, it’s more of run-style concern.”

The Cowboys Are Unlikely to Make ‘Big Move’ at Running Back in NFL Free Agency

For a team like Dallas, the skepticism combined with the drop off in production could allow the franchise to buy low on Gordon. The Athletic’s Jon Machota believes the Cowboys are unlikely to make a “big move” at the position in NFL free agency. Machota makes the case for Dallas selecting Jeanty with the No. 12 pick.

“To catch the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, the Cowboys need to operate more aggressively in March,” Machota wrote in a February 20, NFL mock draft. “I have doubts about that happening. They’re unlikely to make a big move to get a standout back like Philadelphia did with Saquon Barkley. Drafting Jeanty is the next best option.”