The Dallas Cowboys have been unable to reach the Super Bowl since the 1995 season. They started the 2023 season on a high note, but once again faltered in the postseason with a 32-48 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones vowed to go “all in” during the offseason, but his plans fell short.
The Cowboys premature playoff departure sparked frustrations among fans, players, and their families, who took to social media to vent frustration. The team’s Executive Vice President, Stephen Jones, recently addressed fan concerns, signaling a potential shift in strategy.
Stephen Jones addresses Cowboys fans concerns
Stephen Jones recently addressed the concerns of frustrated fans regarding the team’s relatively quiet offseason in terms of free agency splashes. The veteran, speaking at a press conference to announce upcoming events at AT&T Stadium, acknowledged the fans’ right to be frustrated. However, he emphasized the team’s commitment to its long-term strategy.
“Everybody certainly has that right (to be frustrated). I know where the frustration is, it’s the fact that we haven’t had success in the playoffs to their satisfaction. Until we do that, then the criticism is certainly something that’s going to be there. We know that’s going to be there, but we’re going to stick with what we believe will ultimately get us a championship here for our fans. We don’t define ‘all in’ by what you spend in free agency. It’s keeping the core (together)”, he said via Postguam.
One of the key factors limiting the Cowboys’ activity in free agency is their tight cap space. The situation got exacerbated by impending contract negotiations with star players such as Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb. Jones highlighted the organization’s emphasis on retaining its core players by prioritizing continuity and development over big-name free agent signings.
“When you want to keep your players that you’ve developed and worked so hard to get … then you’re not going to be able to go out and chase those (high-dollar free agent) guys. … The way I look at things, I’ve always said it, player acquisition is 365 days a year. It’s not just the first or second or third day of free agency.”
The veteran also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to develop talent through the draft. He sees it as a positive sign rather than a frustration when big-name free agents sign elsewhere. The front office member also added that the ongoing nature of player acquisition extends beyond the frenzy of the initial days of free agency.
Top Cowboys players that left this NFL offseason
The Cowboys faced significant losses on their roster during this NFL offseason, bidding farewell to several key players who contributed to the team’s success over the years. Among the notable departures is Tyron Smith, the eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle, who inked a potential one-year, $20 million deal with the New York Jets. Another impactful loss for the Cowboys is running back Tony Pollard. The RB found a new home with the Tennessee Titans despite efforts from teammates, like Micah Parsons, to retain him in Dallas.
Defensively, the Cowboys saw the departure of Dorance Armstrong and Tyler Biadasz, who both joined the Washington Commanders. These defensive exits pose challenges for the Cowboys as they strive to maintain a competitive edge in the league.
Besides losing players, the Cowboys also opted not to pursue some potential elite players like Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley. Henry signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, and recently revealed the team didn’t even show any interest in him. Meanwhile, Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys fan base can definitely get angry, as they had to see some big players finding a place on rival’s rosters.
