NFL free agency is off and running, and we’re keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2021 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins March 17 at 4 p.m. ET, which means free-agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2021 NFL draft begins April 29 on ESPN.
The Dallas Cowboys must find a way to improve a defense that was 31st against the run and allowed a franchise-record 473 points in 2020. While the draft is the more likely option, they will have the salary-cap space to be money players in free agency, although it’s doubtful the Cowboys look to the top of the market to make additions at cornerback, safety, linebacker or defensive line. Keeping cornerback Jourdan Lewis or safety Xavier Woods are possibilities, depending on the price. On offense, the Cowboys will potentially look to fill reserve roles on the line, at tight end and maybe even quarterback behind Dak Prescott.
Here’s a breakdown of every 2021 NFL free-agent signing by the Cowboys, and how each will impact the upcoming season:
The quarterback signed a six-year deal (a contract that voids to four years) for $160 million.
What it means: The Cowboys know Prescott will be their quarterback for at least the next four years. It took longer than expected to come to the agreement, but both sides got what they wanted. Prescott has the highest signing bonus in NFL history ($66 million) and $126 million guaranteed over the next three years. The Cowboys paid a premium but they have salary-cap flexibility in the first two years. With Prescott, the Cowboys believe they can contend — and more than just in the NFC East.
What’s the risk: All indications are Prescott is ahead of schedule in his rehab from the dislocated and compound fracture of his right ankle he suffered last October. He is expected to be a full go for the offseason program, but the Cowboys will be smart with his work before training camp. The risk is if Prescott will be the same player after having such an injury. Also, the $40 million annual salary makes him the second highest paid QB in the NFL. And while the Cowboys say they will be able to field a team around Prescott, the contract will make things tight against the cap in the third and fourth years of the deal.