This offseason has been frustrating. Are we preparing for a rebuild? Are we going to compete for a title? I'm OK with either, but let's pick a direction. – Scott L./Medford, OR
Nick Eatman: The answer could be both at the same time, and there's nothing wrong with that, especially how you phrased the questions. Are they preparing for a rebuild? Yeah, they could be preparing for it considering the amount of dead money that will hit the cap next year and the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position. You have to be at least preparing for that to happen. But at the same time, are they competing for a title? Yes, they are still doing that. This team is still very talented and it's going to take some good breaks to go their way, but it's possible the Cowboys can get into the playoffs and then do some damage when they get there. But I get the frustration but that's the nature of the NFL right now. You can be staring a rebuild in the face and still be good enough this year to compete with anyone.
Patrik: It's almost time to find out, eh? I can understand the frustration when you hear the GM say the team will be "all in" at the start of the offseason, the right thing to say after how the last one ended, only to redefine the term and be mostly absent from the first several waves of free agency. I was right there with you, the signing of Eric Kendricks notwithstanding, though I am pleased with the track they took in the draft with rebuilding the offensive line while also heavily addressing linebacker up to this point — including possibly having found another UFL gem. At this point we can only watch and wait to see if this plan pans out, but it's gonna be an uphill climb for sure. If it works, they'll compete for a title. If it doesn't, then get ready for the likely rebuild. In other words, you won't get your true direction (from a fan's perspective) until 2025.
