FRISCO, Texas – From a personnel standpoint, the Cowboys' offseason might be the most intriguing in several years.
Coming off a divisional-round playoff appearance, and with only one position player under contract (linebacker Sean Lee) over age 30, the roster on paper looks poised for long-term success.
"This is a very talented group, and I think we can get better. I do," Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones told 105.3 The Fan. "I think we're in a position to get better with our talent. We may lose some players that our fans may have a concern about, but in general we can upgrade from players getting better."
Indeed, decisions loom for the front office on two fronts: upcoming free agents this year, and key players under contract who are eligible for extensions.
While the offseason is barely underway, it's never too early to look ahead. Jerry Jones said the Cowboys could lose some key players this offseason, but is confident the 2019 Cowboys will be a "talented group."
Daniel Ross – He's on the list because he's technically a free agent. But the Cowboys have his "exclusive rights" so as long as they decide to bring him back, and there usually isn't any reason not to, then Ross will be re-signed.
Daniel Ross – He's on the list because he's technically a free agent. But the Cowboys have his "exclusive rights" so as long as they decide to bring him back, and there usually isn't any reason not to, then Ross will be re-signed.
Daniel Ross – He's on the list because he's technically a free agent. But the Cowboys have his "exclusive rights" so as long as they decide to bring him back, and there usually isn't any reason not to, then Ross will be re-signed.
Daniel Ross – He's on the list because he's technically a free agent. But the Cowboys have his "exclusive rights" so as long as they decide to bring him back, and there usually isn't any reason not to, then Ross will be re-signed.
Daniel Ross – He's on the list because he's technically a free agent. But the Cowboys have his "exclusive rights" so as long as they decide to bring him back, and there usually isn't any reason not to, then Ross will be re-signed.
Darian Thompson – As a restricted free agent, the Cowboys aren't forced to even issue him a tender. He played in 10 games but mostly on special teams.
Darian Thompson – As a restricted free agent, the Cowboys aren't forced to even issue him a tender. He played in 10 games but mostly on special teams.
Darian Thompson – As a restricted free agent, the Cowboys aren't forced to even issue him a tender. He played in 10 games but mostly on special teams.
Darian Thompson – As a restricted free agent, the Cowboys aren't forced to even issue him a tender. He played in 10 games but mostly on special teams.
Darian Thompson – As a restricted free agent, the Cowboys aren't forced to even issue him a tender. He played in 10 games but mostly on special teams.
Marcus Martin – A toe injury kept him sidelined all season. With the signing of Su'a-Filo, and perhaps the return of Frederick, which would put Looney back into the guard rotation, it's unlikely the Cowboys would try to bring him back.
Marcus Martin – A toe injury kept him sidelined all season. With the signing of Su'a-Filo, and perhaps the return of Frederick, which would put Looney back into the guard rotation, it's unlikely the Cowboys would try to bring him back.
Marcus Martin – A toe injury kept him sidelined all season. With the signing of Su'a-Filo, and perhaps the return of Frederick, which would put Looney back into the guard rotation, it's unlikely the Cowboys would try to bring him back.
Marcus Martin – A toe injury kept him sidelined all season. With the signing of Su'a-Filo, and perhaps the return of Frederick, which would put Looney back into the guard rotation, it's unlikely the Cowboys would try to bring him back.
Marcus Martin – A toe injury kept him sidelined all season. With the signing of Su'a-Filo, and perhaps the return of Frederick, which would put Looney back into the guard rotation, it's unlikely the Cowboys would try to bring him back.
Datone Jones – His injuries kept him from participating much in 2018 but the Cowboys do like his versatility and pass-rush ability from the interior. Will be a numbers game if they decide to bring him back.
Datone Jones – His injuries kept him from participating much in 2018 but the Cowboys do like his versatility and pass-rush ability from the interior. Will be a numbers game if they decide to bring him back.
Datone Jones – His injuries kept him from participating much in 2018 but the Cowboys do like his versatility and pass-rush ability from the interior. Will be a numbers game if they decide to bring him back.
Datone Jones – His injuries kept him from participating much in 2018 but the Cowboys do like his versatility and pass-rush ability from the interior. Will be a numbers game if they decide to bring him back.
Datone Jones – His injuries kept him from participating much in 2018 but the Cowboys do like his versatility and pass-rush ability from the interior. Will be a numbers game if they decide to bring him back.
Justin March-Lillard – He was active for every game, playing mostly on special teams. The Cowboys covet those players and considering the question marks surrounding Lee's future and Wilson's free-agent status, he could be re-signed for 2019.
Justin March-Lillard – He was active for every game, playing mostly on special teams. The Cowboys covet those players and considering the question marks surrounding Lee's future and Wilson's free-agent status, he could be re-signed for 2019.
Justin March-Lillard – He was active for every game, playing mostly on special teams. The Cowboys covet those players and considering the question marks surrounding Lee's future and Wilson's free-agent status, he could be re-signed for 2019.
Justin March-Lillard – He was active for every game, playing mostly on special teams. The Cowboys covet those players and considering the question marks surrounding Lee's future and Wilson's free-agent status, he could be re-signed for 2019.
Justin March-Lillard – He was active for every game, playing mostly on special teams. The Cowboys covet those players and considering the question marks surrounding Lee's future and Wilson's free-agent status, he could be re-signed for 2019.
Caraun Reid –He played his way into the rotation towards the end of the season. He won't be a high priority but assuming the price is right, the Cowboys would likely get him back in the mix.
Caraun Reid –He played his way into the rotation towards the end of the season. He won't be a high priority but assuming the price is right, the Cowboys would likely get him back in the mix.
Caraun Reid –He played his way into the rotation towards the end of the season. He won't be a high priority but assuming the price is right, the Cowboys would likely get him back in the mix.
Caraun Reid –He played his way into the rotation towards the end of the season. He won't be a high priority but assuming the price is right, the Cowboys would likely get him back in the mix.
Caraun Reid –He played his way into the rotation towards the end of the season. He won't be a high priority but assuming the price is right, the Cowboys would likely get him back in the mix.
Jamize Olawale – Listed as fullback, he only played in 12 percent of the offensive snaps. But he was a core special teams player that led the team in tackles in the kicking game.
Jamize Olawale – Listed as fullback, he only played in 12 percent of the offensive snaps. But he was a core special teams player that led the team in tackles in the kicking game.
Jamize Olawale – Listed as fullback, he only played in 12 percent of the offensive snaps. But he was a core special teams player that led the team in tackles in the kicking game.
Jamize Olawale – Listed as fullback, he only played in 12 percent of the offensive snaps. But he was a core special teams player that led the team in tackles in the kicking game.
Jamize Olawale – Listed as fullback, he only played in 12 percent of the offensive snaps. But he was a core special teams player that led the team in tackles in the kicking game.
Cameron Fleming – He served his purpose for this year, especially when Tyron Smith was banged up later in the season. If the Cowboys don't re-sign Fleming, they will need someone like him with similar experience and skill.
Cameron Fleming – He served his purpose for this year, especially when Tyron Smith was banged up later in the season. If the Cowboys don't re-sign Fleming, they will need someone like him with similar experience and skill.
Cameron Fleming – He served his purpose for this year, especially when Tyron Smith was banged up later in the season. If the Cowboys don't re-sign Fleming, they will need someone like him with similar experience and skill.
Cameron Fleming – He served his purpose for this year, especially when Tyron Smith was banged up later in the season. If the Cowboys don't re-sign Fleming, they will need someone like him with similar experience and skill.
Cameron Fleming – He served his purpose for this year, especially when Tyron Smith was banged up later in the season. If the Cowboys don't re-sign Fleming, they will need someone like him with similar experience and skill.
Rod Smith – Another key special teams player and served as a backup to Zeke. Watching what the Rams were able to do in the playoffs, don't be surprised if the Cowboys look for a more conventional backup runner.
Rod Smith – Another key special teams player and served as a backup to Zeke. Watching what the Rams were able to do in the playoffs, don't be surprised if the Cowboys look for a more conventional backup runner.
Rod Smith – Another key special teams player and served as a backup to Zeke. Watching what the Rams were able to do in the playoffs, don't be surprised if the Cowboys look for a more conventional backup runner.
Rod Smith – Another key special teams player and served as a backup to Zeke. Watching what the Rams were able to do in the playoffs, don't be surprised if the Cowboys look for a more conventional backup runner.
Rod Smith – Another key special teams player and served as a backup to Zeke. Watching what the Rams were able to do in the playoffs, don't be surprised if the Cowboys look for a more conventional backup runner.
Damien Wilson – This one will be interesting. There could be a market for him, considering his athleticism and experience. The Cowboys can't invest too much on a third linebacker when they have Lee and will likely have to pay LVE and Jaylon Smith at some point.
Damien Wilson – This one will be interesting. There could be a market for him, considering his athleticism and experience. The Cowboys can't invest too much on a third linebacker when they have Lee and will likely have to pay LVE and Jaylon Smith at some point.
Damien Wilson – This one will be interesting. There could be a market for him, considering his athleticism and experience. The Cowboys can't invest too much on a third linebacker when they have Lee and will likely have to pay LVE and Jaylon Smith at some point.
Damien Wilson – This one will be interesting. There could be a market for him, considering his athleticism and experience. The Cowboys can't invest too much on a third linebacker when they have Lee and will likely have to pay LVE and Jaylon Smith at some point.
Damien Wilson – This one will be interesting. There could be a market for him, considering his athleticism and experience. The Cowboys can't invest too much on a third linebacker when they have Lee and will likely have to pay LVE and Jaylon Smith at some point.
Geoff Swaim – Before his season-ending wrist injury, Swaim was starting to look like a starting tight end. The Cowboys will want him back and it's unlikely they will get into a bidding war with anyone, mainly because of his injury history.
Geoff Swaim – Before his season-ending wrist injury, Swaim was starting to look like a starting tight end. The Cowboys will want him back and it's unlikely they will get into a bidding war with anyone, mainly because of his injury history.
Geoff Swaim – Before his season-ending wrist injury, Swaim was starting to look like a starting tight end. The Cowboys will want him back and it's unlikely they will get into a bidding war with anyone, mainly because of his injury history.
Geoff Swaim – Before his season-ending wrist injury, Swaim was starting to look like a starting tight end. The Cowboys will want him back and it's unlikely they will get into a bidding war with anyone, mainly because of his injury history.
Geoff Swaim – Before his season-ending wrist injury, Swaim was starting to look like a starting tight end. The Cowboys will want him back and it's unlikely they will get into a bidding war with anyone, mainly because of his injury history.
David Irving – Some people thought Irving would be ready to break the bank this year if he could play like he did for the eight games of 2017. Obviously, that didn't happen and so now it'll be interesting to see what the Cowboys, or any team does with a player who has loads of talent, but arguably just as much issues off the field.
Tavon Austin – The buzz around him joining the team never really lived up to the hype. The phrase "web back" didn't pan out as expected. His injury cut his season in half but when healthy he was dynamic at times. He'll have an intriguing market value because of his speed.
Tavon Austin – The buzz around him joining the team never really lived up to the hype. The phrase "web back" didn't pan out as expected. His injury cut his season in half but when healthy he was dynamic at times. He'll have an intriguing market value because of his speed.
Tavon Austin – The buzz around him joining the team never really lived up to the hype. The phrase "web back" didn't pan out as expected. His injury cut his season in half but when healthy he was dynamic at times. He'll have an intriguing market value because of his speed.
Tavon Austin – The buzz around him joining the team never really lived up to the hype. The phrase "web back" didn't pan out as expected. His injury cut his season in half but when healthy he was dynamic at times. He'll have an intriguing market value because of his speed.
David Irving – Some people thought Irving would be ready to break the bank this year if he could play like he did for the eight games of 2017. Obviously, that didn't happen and so now it'll be interesting to see what the Cowboys, or any team does with a player who has loads of talent, but arguably just as much issues off the field.
David Irving – Some people thought Irving would be ready to break the bank this year if he could play like he did for the eight games of 2017. Obviously, that didn't happen and so now it'll be interesting to see what the Cowboys, or any team does with a player who has loads of talent, but arguably just as much issues off the field.
David Irving – Some people thought Irving would be ready to break the bank this year if he could play like he did for the eight games of 2017. Obviously, that didn't happen and so now it'll be interesting to see what the Cowboys, or any team does with a player who has loads of talent, but arguably just as much issues off the field.
David Irving – Some people thought Irving would be ready to break the bank this year if he could play like he did for the eight games of 2017. Obviously, that didn't happen and so now it'll be interesting to see what the Cowboys, or any team does with a player who has loads of talent, but arguably just as much issues off the field.
David Irving – Some people thought Irving would be ready to break the bank this year if he could play like he did for the eight games of 2017. Obviously, that didn't happen and so now it'll be interesting to see what the Cowboys, or any team does with a player who has loads of talent, but arguably just as much issues off the field.
LP Ladouceur –He signed a one-year deal last year and had another great season, aside from that wacky snap infraction penalty in Washington. But his consistency is better than any player on the team. The Cowboys will want him back but he might not want another 1-year deal.
LP Ladouceur –He signed a one-year deal last year and had another great season, aside from that wacky snap infraction penalty in Washington. But his consistency is better than any player on the team. The Cowboys will want him back but he might not want another 1-year deal.
LP Ladouceur –He signed a one-year deal last year and had another great season, aside from that wacky snap infraction penalty in Washington. But his consistency is better than any player on the team. The Cowboys will want him back but he might not want another 1-year deal.
LP Ladouceur –He signed a one-year deal last year and had another great season, aside from that wacky snap infraction penalty in Washington. But his consistency is better than any player on the team. The Cowboys will want him back but he might not want another 1-year deal.
LP Ladouceur –He signed a one-year deal last year and had another great season, aside from that wacky snap infraction penalty in Washington. But his consistency is better than any player on the team. The Cowboys will want him back but he might not want another 1-year deal.
Cole Beasley – Earlier this year, Beasley made it clear he was looking to be paid as one of the best slot receivers in the game. His production was solid (65 catches, 672 yards and 3 TDs). The Cowboys likely wouldn't want to keep him for the right price.
Cole Beasley – Earlier this year, Beasley made it clear he was looking to be paid as one of the best slot receivers in the game. His production was solid (65 catches, 672 yards and 3 TDs). The Cowboys likely wouldn't want to keep him for the right price.
Cole Beasley – Earlier this year, Beasley made it clear he was looking to be paid as one of the best slot receivers in the game. His production was solid (65 catches, 672 yards and 3 TDs). The Cowboys likely wouldn't want to keep him for the right price.
Cole Beasley – Earlier this year, Beasley made it clear he was looking to be paid as one of the best slot receivers in the game. His production was solid (65 catches, 672 yards and 3 TDs). The Cowboys likely wouldn't want to keep him for the right price.
Cole Beasley – Earlier this year, Beasley made it clear he was looking to be paid as one of the best slot receivers in the game. His production was solid (65 catches, 672 yards and 3 TDs). The Cowboys likely wouldn't want to keep him for the right price.
DeMarcus Lawrence – Probably the Cowboys' biggest priority in terms of unrestricted free agents. They always have the option to franchise D-Law again, but that would be around $20 million for one season. Getting him signed to a long-term would make the most sense. Won't be cheap considering he's made the Pro Bowl the last two years.
DeMarcus Lawrence – Probably the Cowboys' biggest priority in terms of unrestricted free agents. They always have the option to franchise D-Law again, but that would be around $20 million for one season. Getting him signed to a long-term would make the most sense. Won't be cheap considering he's made the Pro Bowl the last two years.
DeMarcus Lawrence – Probably the Cowboys' biggest priority in terms of unrestricted free agents. They always have the option to franchise D-Law again, but that would be around $20 million for one season. Getting him signed to a long-term would make the most sense. Won't be cheap considering he's made the Pro Bowl the last two years.
DeMarcus Lawrence – Probably the Cowboys' biggest priority in terms of unrestricted free agents. They always have the option to franchise D-Law again, but that would be around $20 million for one season. Getting him signed to a long-term would make the most sense. Won't be cheap considering he's made the Pro Bowl the last two years.
DeMarcus Lawrence – Probably the Cowboys' biggest priority in terms of unrestricted free agents. They always have the option to franchise D-Law again, but that would be around $20 million for one season. Getting him signed to a long-term would make the most sense. Won't be cheap considering he's made the Pro Bowl the last two years.
Every NFL team typically turns over roughly one-third of their roster every year. That's just the nature of business in the salary cap era.
Jones didn't speculate on the status of upcoming free agents, but several regular contributors have expiring deals, including wide receivers Cole Beasley and Tavon Austin, tight end Geoff Swaim and linebacker Damien Wilson.
The biggest name in the group is Pro Bowl pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, who played on the franchise tag in 2018.
Then there's the next wave.
Quarterback Dak Prescott is signed through 2019 but eligible for a new deal. So is Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott. Jones was asked about both during his Monday radio segment and he stated the obvious: The Cowboys want Elliott for foreseeable future and Prescott "in the short term and long term."
Two more cornerstone players, Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Jones and wide receiver Amari Cooper, also have one more year left on their deals.
All seem to figure into the Cowboys' long-term plans. The timing, and how it'll all work under the cap, hasn't been determined yet.
"The bottom line is, there's a whole bunch of stuff that you want," Jones said with a laugh. "Now the question is, do you have the resources or do you have the means or do you have a plan to get there?"
The Cowboys will certainly work on a plan in the coming months.
