Dak Prescott, Cedrick Wilson, Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys suffered a brutal loss to the 49ers but now it’s time to build for next year. With 21 pending free agents, Dallas needs to keep these players.
Talk about disappointment. The Dallas Cowboys were the only team playing at home to lose in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs and, in typical fashion, they lost in the most infuriating way possible with the final play call and failure to get the spike off before time expired.
So now Jerry Jones and Co. head into the offseason with big questions. While some fans want head coach Mike McCarthy out of the building, that does feel like it’s a bit of a pipe dream. Meanwhile, the club could be forced to replace either or both of Kellen Moore and Dan Quinn as they interview for head coaching jobs of their own.
In the case of the roster, though, there are ways to improve via the draft. But more importantly, the Cowboys have 21 players set to be unrestricted free agents this offseason. Some of those players are just too important to let go.
As of right now, Dallas is projected to be $13 million over the cap but, with some financial gymnastics, can clear up plenty of room (and no, they don’t have to release Amari Cooper to do so). If we’re making a priority list, though, America’s Team needs to make sure these players still have a star on their helmets in 2022.
Dallas Cowboys: 5 free agents to re-sign for the 2022 season
5
Cedrick Wilson
WR Dallas Cowboys
Cedrick Wilson proved he can be the Cowboys WR3 at better value than Gallup
One of the big questions coming into the offseason has long been what the Cowboys do with wide receiver Michael Gallup. Gallup suffering a torn ACL late in the season only further complicates that matter but, by all indications, he should have a strong market in free agency.
Because of that, Gallup is going to be costly. Lucky for Dallas, a more cost-effective option who is also slated to hit free agency could figure into the mix as well in the form of Cedrick Wilson.
Wilson stepped up in Gallup’s numerous absences this season and made a sturdy impact on the offense, proving that he can be a reliable third option in the passing game with Cooper and CeeDee Lamb. Given that he’ll be cheaper amid cap woes, Wilson is the better option for Dallas moving forward.